What look like a mini watermelon , tastes like a cucumber , and is class as a berry ? Cucamelons ! These endearing little veggies are n’t as popular as their cucumber and melon cousins , but more the great unwashed are growing cucamelons because they ’re simply delicious .
Whether you ’re looking for some new gnome species to civilise , or you just require to expand your garden ’s biodiversity , read on . We ’ll tell you all you need to know about growing cucamelons this twelvemonth .
What are Cucamelons Anyway?
Also recognise as Mexican dark gherkin , Melothria scabrafruits are members of theCucurbitaceaefamily . That means they ’re related to cucumber , melons , squashes , pumpkins , and other gourd cousins .
Cucamelons are autochthonal to Central America , though it has congenator throughout North and South America . If you ’re foraging for them in the state of nature , make certain that you gather the right-hand unity .
They have some lookalike cousin out there that are quite venomous if rust , such asM. charantiaandM. pendula . In contrast , M. scabrafruits are completely safe . If you ’re growing them from seeds or from seedlings purchased from a nursery , then you ’ll be trusted to get the right-hand one .
These fruit produce on vine like to cucumbers or melon , but their fruits are tiny . In fact , they only grow to the size of grape ! This makes them ideal for growing on terrace and balconies .
They ’re adored by kids who care other tiny fruits and veggie . If your little one loves cherry tree tomato and child carrots , they ’d in all likelihood enjoy cucamelons too .
Planting and Support
Whether you ’re sowing from seed or planting seedling from a nursery , check that to give your flora enough space . These vine can grow upwards of 12 feet farsighted , and can spread out a fair chip too .
plant life seeds 1/2 - inch deep , two foot aside . If implant seedling instead , offer them the same amount of blank between works . Then irrigate them in well and let the Dominicus form its trick .
Since these vine can develop so large , it ’s of import that you offer them a support structure to mount over . propose for a sturdy alloy or wooden trellis , or create one out of kine fencing material . Then lash the seedlings to your trellis as soon as they reach 6 - inches tall .
Keep education and securing them over the trellis as they grow , and their fruits will dangle down through the latticing .
This documentation bodily structure offers extra benefit . By elevating the plants off the soil , there ’s less chance of pathogens like powdery mildew thriving on them . to boot , they ’re less likely to be preyed upon by slugs and other ground pussyfoot plague .
Sun and Soil Requirements
Cucamelons are autochthonic to South and Central America , and thus call for a lot of cheerfulness so as to thrive . They ’re perennial in USDA Growing Zones 7 and up , but rise as yearly in Zones 2 through 11 .
Like other member of the gourd menage , they ’re heavy eater . As a solution , they call for well - draining , compost - rich grease with plenty of nutrient . Make certain to amend your soil with well - rot compost before plant
set your cucamelons in the sunniest spot you have available for them . They need at least six hours of direct sunlight or else they ’ll hesitation .
take down that like other fruiting plants like tomatoes , squashes , and pumpkins , they can be prone toblossom end rot(BER ) . This takes place when there ’s deficient calcium in the soil prior to the plant ’s flowering time period .
The agency to fend off this is to quiz your territory before institute . If it ’s low in Ca , remedy the soil with gypsum or lime . Then make certain to water fittingly . Insufficient or too much water piss it unmanageable to take up nutrient such as atomic number 20 , and this is what lead to BER .
Watering and Feeding
These plants need a fair bit of wet , but they do n’t care to be waterlogged . Make indisputable they have at least an inch of body of water per week , include rainfall .
On that note , make certain to always irrigate these plants at the territory stratum . This is because water from above makes them more vulnerable to fungal issues . Aim for a drip line at basis floor , or irrigate the grime around their stems with your hose or watering can .
If you perfectly have to water from above with a sprinkler or similar , do so too soon in the dawning . This will allow the blistering high noon sun to evaporate excess water before fungus can set in .
Potential Pests and Diseases to Watch For
When growing cucamelons , seem for the same pesky yield that can chivy other members of theCucurbitaceaefamily .
Slugs and Snails
These are the bane of many cucumber and melon gardens , and these plants are n’t exempt from that . This is why it ’s so crucial to trellis your plant when growing cucamelons . Raising the vine and leaves off the ground will cut down on slug and snail depredation dramatically .
If you have ducks or Guinea poultry , let them run around your garden . They ’ll eat these insects right off the vine for you . Pellets and handwriting - picking also avail .
Do n’t gravel with copper bands or crushed huitre shell on the soil ’s airfoil . These methods do n’t mold , according tostudies .
Aphids
These insidious jerksshow up just about everywhere , do n’t they ? you’re able to keep down the aphid universe by releasing ladybugs into your yard . instead , sprinkle diatomaceous earth ( DE ) onto the flora themselves . That should cut them down significantly as well .
A net option is to blast them off with a hose . The latter may damage your plants , however , so use that selection as a last resort .
Powdery Mildew
Although this is rife in hot , humid conditions , you’re able to take some preventative measures . When trellising your growing cucamelons , check that to prune off excess foliage . This will allow for great air flow and Sunday photo . As a consequence , fungal spore will have less of a chance to adhere to the leaves and prosper .
suss out your vines daily to see if there ’s any indication that mildew is present . If there is , remove bear upon plant subject immediately and combust it . Then spray the plants with dilute orchard apple tree cider vinegar or neem oil . This might get the contagion before it spreads .
That said , if it ’s persistent , you ’ll have to tear out your plants and burn off them . Then turn the soil over so the sun can bolt down off the mould spores , and do n’t embed any gourds or melon vine there for at least three years .
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic viruscan bear upon any fellow member of theCucurbitaceaefamily . As such , verify to check any cucumbers , squashes , pumpkins , or melons that you may be growing on a regular basis .
There ’s no remedy for mosaic virus , so your best stake is to keep your garden as blank as potential . turn out your crops on a regular basis , and illuminate off any junk from the territory ’s airfoil . Eliminate aphids if and when they come along , and hit utter or conk out leaves so they do n’t rot beneath the works .
If mosaic computer virus symptom bulge appearing ( namely the discolored leaves that show a “ mosaic”-like pattern ) , then tear up the plant and burn them straight off . This will keep the computer virus from spreading anywhere else in your garden .
Then keep that surface area plant free for a match of years . Dig out the territory , sterilise it , and dispose of it safely . Then bring newfangled , clean , respectable soil in before planting a completely unlike craw there .
Best Companion Plants
Cucumelons make ideal companion in “ three sister ” gardens along with corn and either peas or bonce . you could also grow them alongside tomato , dill , and various lettuces .
If you ’re grow your mini cukes over a tunnel treillage , consider growing your leafy greens in the dappled shadiness beneath . This will maximise space to reduplicate your yield in that area .
Harvesting and Preservation
Harvest your cucamelon fruit when they ’re no longer than 1″ in sizing . If you permit them get any larger than that , they can become seedy and bitter .
you may use these fruit in any way that you ’d utilise even Cucumis sativus . They have a adorable , modest flavor with just a hint of lime , and are endearing in fresh salads , salsas , and even fleeceable juices .
Try transforming them into salsa verde with tomatillos if you ’re into make your own preserves . Or pickle them whole with some garlic , dill , and Pickle Crisp for crunchy collation all winter recollective . or else , if you plan on only eating them impertinent , they ’ll stay good for up to a week if refrigerated .
There ’s really no downside to growing cucamelons . They ’re lovely additions to any garden , and are peculiarly well - suited to lowly spaces . Consider cultivating them as a secrecy blind between flat building block or grow them over gazebos for outdoor shade .
Then just crop on these ravisher as you ramble outside . In fact , you could even design your balcony garden for “ pick your own crudité ” parties . develop cucamelons , cherry or currant tomatoes , and various herbs , and you ’re undecomposed to go !
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