General
The fruits of the Mexican sour gherkin Melothria look like tiny melons and are great for snacking straight from the plant – kids love them too. The flavour is sour and cucumber-like.
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Facts and figures
Times
Transplant to bed from Mid May to Late June. Pre-grow about 45 days before planting out, approximately between Early April and Mid May. After a growing period of 75 days, harvest can begin around Mid June and continues until Late October.
Location and soil
Like other cucurbits, they prefer humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil and plenty of sun.
They definitely need a climbing support, as they can climb up to 3 m high. In a bed, a bean pole works well, or you can plant them in a pot with a trellis, or next to a pergola, a rose arch or something similar. The dangling mini cucumber-melons are also very decorative.
They also thrive in greenhouse conditions.
Neighbourhood
Crop rotation
Care and fertilising
Similar to cucumbers.
At first the plants grow very slowly, but at some point they really take off.
Harvest and processing
You can snack on them straight from the plant, toss them into a salad or pickle them like gherkins.