Started April 22

Also known as Mouse Melons, or Cucamelons

Botanically, Mexican Sour Gherkins are neither cucumbers nor melons. Although a member of the larger cucumber family, cucamelons are found in an entirely different genus than true cucumbers or melons.

Size: 12 inches tall with a 36-42 inch spread

Location: full sun, well drained soil

Matures in: 75 days

Native to: Mexico, where they are called sandita, which means little watermelon.

Why did I Choose it? They’re adorable and I thought they would make fantastic whole pickles. 

Uses? Good fresh in salads or pickled. You can also add them to fresh salsa. 

Specifics: Tangy, lemony flavor with younger fruit tasting like cucumber and getting more sour with age. Delicate looking vines grow well up jute netting. They do best in containers but can also be planted in the ground. Huge yields.  

Personal Notes:  I did not have any success with these guys.

Hawthorn gives germination rates of 91%. I sowed 30 seeds and by May 10, 24 had sprouted. They all did all right until I transplanted them and then everybody died. 

I’m not sure if I didn't harden them off well enough or if it was too much of a shock in another way.  My friend that I gave a couple plants to also lost all of hers. She blames her kids and the dog though. 

I do have more seeds and I’ll try again this year. I think I’m going to plant them in containers this time and see if they do better. 

Cucumbers in general

Companion Plants: 

Peas, corn and beans will release nitrogen into the soil that can be used by the cucumbers. 

Radishes, beets, carrots, and onions are all good companions. 

Marigolds and nasturtium will deter beetles, thrips and other insects.

Sunflowers are pretty, don’t compete for resources or space, and provide a good trellis to climb. 

Oregano and dill help repel pests and tansy discourages ants and beetles. 

Avoid: 

Potatoes will compete for resources. (Other members of the nightshade family like tomatoes are fine though.)

Sage attracts pests that feed on cucumber leaves so plant in a separate area of the garden. 

Melons, being of the same larger family, make them grow poorly because they steal resources. 

Next up seed sowing May 1

Calendula