{"product_id":"cucamelon-1826","title":"Cucamelon Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelothria scabra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCucamelon is a delightful heirloom cucurbit native to Mexico and Central America, producing masses of tiny oval fruits that look remarkably like miniature watermelons. Also known as Mouse Melon, Mexican Sour Gherkin and Sandita, the mottled green fruits reach approximately 2–4 cm long and have a crisp texture with a fresh cucumber flavour and distinctive citrusy tang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe little fruits are excellent eaten straight from the vine, tossed whole into salads, added to salsas and stir-fries or used as a colourful garnish. Their size, crunch and natural acidity also make them particularly good for pickling whole, much like tiny gherkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its resemblance to both cucumber and watermelon, Cucamelon belongs to the genus \u003cem\u003eMelothria\u003c\/em\u003e rather than \u003cem\u003eCucumis\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eCitrullus\u003c\/em\u003e. It has a long history as a food plant in its native range and thrives in warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants can be slow to establish initially but become vigorous and remarkably hardy once growing strongly. The slender climbing vines can reach approximately 3 m and benefit from a trellis or other support. Established plants tolerate periods of dry weather and generally experience relatively few pest and disease problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCucamelon is perennial in warm, frost-free climates, developing underground tuberous roots from which plants may regrow. In cooler areas it is usually grown as a warm-season annual and may also self-sow where conditions are favourable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 10 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Spring to autumn\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring after frost to early summer\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after all danger of frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 5–10 mm deep into trays or pots, or direct sow once the soil has warmed. Keep consistently moist during germination and be patient, as Cucamelon can be slower to establish than cucumber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplant seedlings approximately 30–50 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a trellis, fence or other climbing support for the vigorous vines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain regular moisture during flowering and fruit production for the best yields, although established plants are reasonably drought tolerant. Harvest fruits while small, firm and crisp, generally around 2–4 cm long. Regular picking encourages continued flowering and production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot available for WA.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46408580333786,"sku":"prefix_681c1f734ab1e0.23817982","price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Cucamelon_bfa8200d-e915-48eb-9e91-eb42ea9fe366.jpg?v=1770862724","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/cucamelon-1826","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}