I still remember the first time I heard about cucamelons. A friend described them as “mini watermelons that taste like cucumbers with a hint of lime.” I laughed, thinking they were joking. But then they handed me one of these tiny fruits, no bigger than a grape, and I was immediately hooked. Crunchy, tangy, and utterly adorable – how could I resist growing these quirky little fruits in my garden?
Fast forward a few years, and cucamelons have become one of my favourite things to grow. They’re surprisingly easy to care for, resilient, and always a conversation starter when friends come over. If you’re curious about these charming little fruits, let me take you through my journey of growing cucamelons and share some tips to help you grow your own.
What Are Cucamelons?
Before I dive into the “how-to,” let me give you a quick intro. Cucamelons, also known as Mexican sour gherkins or mouse melons, are native to Central America. Despite their watermelon-like appearance, they’re more closely related to cucumbers. These little fruits grow on delicate vines and are perfect for snacking straight off the plant, adding to salads, or even pickling.
What I love most about cucamelons is their novelty – they’re not something you see at your local supermarket, and they always spark curiosity.
Why I Decided to Grow Cucamelons
I’m not going to lie – I was initially drawn to cucamelons purely for their cuteness. But once I tasted them, I knew I had to grow my own. The idea of having a plant in my garden that produces tiny “watermelons” was too good to pass up. Plus, they’re perfect for small spaces, which is a bonus if, like me, you’re working with a tiny garden or balcony.
How to Grow Cucamelons
1. Start with the Seeds
The first challenge was finding cucamelon seeds. They’re not as common as cucumber or tomato seeds, but I managed to find them online from a specialty seed shop. When the little packet arrived, I was so excited that I started planting them immediately.
Cucamelons need warm soil to germinate, so I started mine indoors in small pots in early spring. They’re slow to sprout – mine took about two weeks – so don’t panic if nothing happens right away. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
2. Planting Them Outdoors
Once the seedlings were about 10cm tall, I moved them outside. I made the rookie mistake of planting them too early one year, only for an unexpected cold snap to stunt their growth. Since then, I’ve learned to wait until the danger of frost has completely passed – usually late spring here in the UK.
Cucamelons love warm, sunny spots with well-draining soil. I planted mine near a trellis, and they immediately started climbing like little acrobats. Watching the delicate vines curl and twist their way up was oddly satisfying – it’s like they have a mind of their own!
3. Watering and Feeding
One thing I quickly realised was that cucamelons don’t need as much water as cucumbers. I kept the soil moist but avoided overwatering, as they don’t like sitting in soggy soil.
As for feeding, I gave them a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks during the growing season. Nothing too fancy – just something balanced to keep them happy and healthy. They’re not fussy plants, which makes them perfect for beginners.
4. The Waiting Game
Cucamelons aren’t the fastest-growing plants. It took a few months before the first fruits appeared, and I can’t tell you how many times I checked the vines, hoping for a sign of progress. But when those tiny green orbs finally started to show, I was over the moon.
The fruits grow quickly once they appear, and before I knew it, I had handfuls of cucamelons ready to harvest. Picking them is easy – just give them a gentle tug, and they pop right off the vine.
Why I Love Growing Cucamelons
Honestly, cucamelons have brought so much joy to my garden. They’re low-maintenance, resilient to pests (I’ve never had to worry about slugs or aphids with these), and they just look so fun. Whenever someone visits, they always point them out and ask, “What are those?”
The taste is another reason I love them. They’re refreshing and tangy, making them perfect for summer salads or even cocktails. My favourite way to enjoy them, though, is straight off the vine. There’s something so satisfying about plucking a fruit and eating it right then and there.
Tips for Success
If you’re ready to grow cucamelons yourself, here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Patience is key. These plants take their time to mature, but they’re worth the wait.
- Give them something to climb. Cucamelons are natural climbers, and a trellis or bamboo canes will keep them happy.
- Harvest regularly. Picking the fruits encourages the plant to produce more, so don’t let them sit on the vine for too long.
- Save the seeds. At the end of the season, I always save a few seeds from the ripest cucamelons to plant next year. It’s like giving your garden a head start.
Final Thoughts
Growing cucamelons has been one of the most rewarding gardening experiences I’ve had. They’re quirky, delicious, and surprisingly easy to grow, even for someone like me who doesn’t always get things right on the first try.
If you’re looking for something unique to add to your garden, give cucamelons a go. I promise, once you see those tiny “watermelons” hanging from the vines, you’ll fall in love with them just as much as I have. And when you taste your first one? Well, let’s just say you’ll be planting even more next year.