Meet the Cucamelon, our delightful PERMA CUCUMBER – a tiny but mighty fruit that resembles a miniature watermelon with the taste of a cucumber and a hint of lime. This vining plant is not just a conversation starter for its charming appearance but also a resilient grower, offering a continuous crop of crunchy fruits throughout the summer. Perfect for snacking, pickling, or adding a zesty twist to salads, Cucamelons are a novelty in the garden and a joy on the plate. ( Melothria scabra)
We also grow a smaller Perma Cucumber Leaf plant - Salad Burnet.
Why We Love It
Here are some of the reasons why we love Perma Cucumber:
1) DROUGHT-TOLERANT -
Cucamelons are remarkably drought-resistant, requiring less water than traditional cucumbers, making them ideal for eco-friendly gardens.
2) PEST & DISEASE RESISTANT - They are tough little fruits, less prone to the common diseases and pests that affect other cucurbits, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
3) EASY TO TRELLIS! - This plant is unfussy about soil conditions and can grow even in small spaces, climbing up trellises, making it perfect for vertical gardening and a great choice for those with limited space.
How to Grow It
Here's how to grow Cucamelons:
| SUN | FULL SUN IS BEST |
| MOISTURE | KEEP MOIST TO ESTABLISH BUT QUITE DROUGHT-TOLERANT ONCE ESTABLISHED |
| GROWING ZONES | PERENNIAL OUTDOORS ZONES 9-10. (possibly zone 8 with mulch and a little protection). Can be over-wintered everywhere else by lifting the tubers. |
| SIZE | CAN CLIMB 8-10 FEET |
| GROWING FROM SEED |
Plant 1/4" deep, tamp and keep moist until germination in 7-14 days. Keep warm to encourage them to wake up. PRO TIP: Once the vines reach 8 feet or the top of your trellis, pinch them back to encourage side branching and more fruiting. |
How to Harvest & Use It
Harvest the cucamelons once they reach the size of grapes and feel firm. Detach them by twisting or snipping from the vine, being careful not to injure the plant. It's important to pick them at the right time; if they stay on the vine too long, they may over-ripen, becoming too mushy and losing their signature crunch. At the end of the season, cut down the vines and mulch the roots. If you live in a colder zone, consider lifting the roots for the winter and replanting in Spring.