Mouse Melon - Cucamelon - Melothria scabra - 5 seeds

5 Seeds

Cucamelon, Melothria scabra, Mouse melon, Mexican miniature watermelon, Pepquinos

Perennial. Cucamelon is native to Mexico and Central America - where it is called sandiita because it bears tiny watermelon lookalikes small enough to fit in a teaspoon.

It is a pretty, high-yielding vine with tiny leaves and small yellow flowers about four millimeters in diameter.

They need a sheltered sunny site and can be planted 15cm apart to get the most out of a small space - thus perfect for the cottage garden.

It will also do well in a hanging basket and can be grown on a bright windowsill in a warm living room.

Cucamelons are delicate to begin - but they will soon begin to fill out and need a trellis.

They are drought and pest resistant.

Cucamelon has the flavor of pure cucumber with a tinge of lime. They can be eaten raw in the same way as traditional cucumbers.