Growing Mexican Sour Gherkin Also Known as Mouse Melon, Sandíta, Cucamelon and Melothria scabra
Whether you call it a Mexican sour gherkin, mouse melon, Sandíta or Cucamelon, this unique vegetable is worth growing in the garden.
The small fruit looks like a miniature watermelon on the outside but the insides and flavor more closely resemble a cucumber.
This rampant grower can reach 10 feet and is drought and pest tolerant and produces an abundant crop of fruit. Handle the vines carefully as they are easily damaged by mishandling and frost.
It takes about 70 to 75 days from planting to the start of harvesting. Wait for the soil to warm before planting seeds directly in the garden. Or start seeds indoors then move the transplants to the garden once the danger of frost has passed.
The cucamelons fall off the plant when ripe. Save a few of the larger fruit to collect and preserve the seeds for next year’s garden.
A bit more information: This plant has been an important ingredient in Mexican and Central American cuisine since pre-Columbian times. Consider growing a few and using them in this Cucamelon Bloody Mary Salad recipe provided by Garden America.
Related

Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 7-9, 2025
PBS Wisconsin's
Garden & Green Living Expo
Madison, WI
Feb. 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Organic Insect Pest Management for Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More