Tangy mini-cucumbers, crunchy and as cute as mini-watermelons

Mouse Melon cucumber ( Melothria scabra ), offered by OSC Seeds

Also known as cucamelon , Mexican gherkin , or sandita , this small heirloom fruit is a true garden curiosity. The plants produce an abundance of mini-cucumbers the size of a grape, with a mottled skin reminiscent of a tiny watermelon. Their flavor combines the crispness of a cucumber with a lemony, tangy touch, making them delicious as a snack , in marinades , salsas , stir-fries , or even in cocktails .

Propagation: Indoor sowing or direct sowing after the soil has warmed up
Height/Trail: Slender, climbing vines (ideal with trellis)
Package size: Approximately 20 seeds
Harvest time: 6070 days
Frost tolerance: Killed by frost
Companion plants: Beans, corn, bee-friendly flowers
Incompatible plants: Common cucumbers (to reduce the risk of common diseases)
Heritage: Legacy

Planting and maintenance:
Start the seedlings indoors 24 weeks before transplanting, or sow directly when the soil is warm. Plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or netting to allow the vines to climb, which also makes harvesting easier. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging. Harvest the mini-fruits when they are firm, before they turn yellow.