Melothria

( mel - OH - three - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of plants is related to the Curcurbits (gourds and squash), and has a native range that spans from the United States down through Argentina. These perennial vining plants grow from tuberous roots and produce small, sour fruits that are typically green and in some species look like miniature Watermelons. Use these vines as members of edible gardens, in containers, to grow over walls or other structures, or as specimens for their unique fruits. Take care when planting these vines in the garden, as the unripe fruits of some species have unpleasant side effects for humans and pets when consumed.

Melothria Species and Varietals

The genus Melothria is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, and includes 12 species. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Cucumis (Cucumbers and Melons), Citrullus (Watermelon), and Coccinia (Ivy Gourds). The best growing zones for Melothria vary depending on the species grown. For more growing information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Melothria pendula (Creeping Cucumber, Guadeloupe Cucumber, Meloncito, Speckled Gourd, Guaiquillo)
This species is commonly seen in the southeastern United States, and resembles the cultivated cucumber at first glance. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-11b. Flowers are small and yellow, and leaves are green. Unripe berries resemble very small watermelons and are edible. Ripe (purple or black) fruits should be avoided. This species is considered invasive in Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and regions of West Africa.

Melothria scabra (Cucamelon, Mexican Miniature Watermelon, Mexican Sour Cucumber, Mexican Sour Gherkin, Mouse Melon, Pepquinos, Sandita)
These plants are native to an area that spans from Mexico to Venezuela, and are grown for their edible fruits. These vines produce grape-sized fruits that resemble miniature watermelons and taste like sour cucumbers. Vines quickly reach up to 10 feet tall, and are not frost-hardy. 75 DTM. Best in USDA zones 9 and 10. Cucamelon can be aggressive in the garden due to its rapid growth and prolific self-seeding.

Melothria sphaerocarpa (Egusi Gourd, Egwusi, Mann's Cucumeropsis, White-Seed Melon, White Melon)
This species produces climbing herbaceous vines that reach up to 13 feet tall or long. They are native to southern Mexico and the Dominican Republic through Central America and tropical South America. Plants are commonly cultivated for their seeds, which are rich in protein and nutrients. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 11 and warmer.

Caring for Melothria

Melothria, or Cucamelon plants, are typically grown from seed; they are not widely available through the nursery trade. They are tender perennials that are grown as annuals in cool-winter places, and can also be grown in containers to manage harsher climates. Seeds can be direct-sown or started indoors between 4 and 6 weeks before the last frost of spring passes. Choose a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, Melothria vines need 6-8 hours of direct sun each day to flower and produce well. In warmer regions, providing some shelter from the intense rays of the afternoon sun can prevent sunburn. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Melothria vines appreciate about an inch of water each week. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Regular waterings will ensure good harvests.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. Light prunings every once in a while during the active growing season can thin out leaves, boost air flow, and reduce the chances of mildew becoming an issue. Melothria plants may need to be divided every few years to ensure ongoing health of plants, especially when grown in smaller containers or cramped garden spaces like narrow borders. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Melothria vine, see the Propagation section below.

Growing Melothria in Containers
For gardeners in northern climates with harsh winter temperatures or urban gardeners, Melothria can be grown in containers. Choose a growing container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep to accommodate the mature size of the root ball. The container chosen should have adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow water to flow away freely. Fill the container with rich, well-draining soil that has been amended with plenty of organic material. After planting, install a layer of mulch to the top of the pot to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly to ensure that soil stays relatively moist throughout the active growing, flowering and fruiting seasons. Melothria vines grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those grown in the ground. At the end of the growing season in cool-weather areas, bring the container indoors or into a sheltered location over winter. The vine will emerge from its roots and continue growing the next spring. Melothria plants may need to be divided every few years to ensure ongoing health of plants, especially when grown in smaller containers. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Melothria vine, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Melothria
Melothria climbing vines produce small fruits, sometimes with mottled-skin, and often with a sour, citrusy flavor. The fruit characteristics vary depending on the species grown; the most commonly cultivated species is Melothria scabra, or the Cucamelon. Harvest season typically begins in summertime, about 65-75 days after seeds are planted. Plants will continue to produce fruits over a long harvest period, which typically lasts until the first frost in autumn. Harvest fruits when they develop firm skin and reach their desired size. Mature Cucamelons are typically an inch long when harvested. Simply cut the fruits from the vine with clean, sharpened snips or scissors, or twist them off of their attachment to the vine. Fresh fruits can be stored for around a week in the refrigerator when stored in perforated bags or containers. For long-term storage, consider freezing the fruits. This will change their texture, but they will still be good for cooking with.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Melothria, or Cucamelon, can be propagated by division, cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Cucamelon vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Melothria by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Melothria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the tuber(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick tuberous root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Melothria seeds are contained inside of the fruits produced by these vines.

Melothria seeds are quite small, and are typically light tan to whitish.

Problems and Pests

Certain Melothria species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Melothria plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following diseases and pests: