Crop Rotation Group
Cucurbits (Squash family)
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Soil
Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
No.
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Feeding
Drench with a liquid organic fertilizer when plants begin to bloom heavily.
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Companions
-
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Start seeds indoors and expect seeds to germinate after 7 to 10 days. Set plants out after the soil warms when they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Cucamelons are tropical plants that grow best under warm conditions. Use row covers (garden fleece) to protect plants from chilly late spring weather. Where summers are hot, cucamelons can be planted in late summer for harvesting in the fall. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Use a sturdy trellis to save space, and to make the little cucamelons easier or to harvest. Cucamelon vines resemble cucumber vines, but with smaller leaves on vines that can run to 10 feet (3 m).
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Harvesting
Cucamelons have a mild lemony zing when harvested young, when they are the size of large grapes. Larger, older fruits can be used for pickles. Pick cucamelons at least every other day, and refrigerate fruits after harvesting. Fruits with hard seeds inside are overripe.
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Troubleshooting
Cucamelons are of little interest to insect pests, but old plants can develop powdery mildew late in the season.
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