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How to Grow Cucamelon

Melothria scabra

Tender Warm Season Continuous Harvest

When to Start

Start seeds indoors 5 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 12°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.

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Growth Stages

Germination ~14d
Flowering ~130d
Harvest ~190d

Approximate days from start

Care Essentials

  • Liquid feed fortnightly once fruits start forming. Cucamelons are lighter feeders than cucumbers.
  • Much hardier and more disease-resistant than cucumbers. Slow to germinate but vigorous once established. Tubers can be overwintered in mild areas for an earlier start next year.

Companion Planting

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Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 15°C+
Germination temperature: 20–30°C

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Spacing & Planting

Plant spacing 25 cm
Row spacing 40 cm
Sow depth 1.5 cm
Mature height 200 cm
Mature spread 30 cm

Grow on a trellis or netting for best results. Plants are vigorous climbers and will scramble over supports up to 2.5m tall.

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Care Guide

Feeding
Liquid feed fortnightly once fruits start forming. Cucamelons are lighter feeders than cucumbers.
Watch for
  • Red spider mite
  • Slugs (on young plants)
  • Aphids

Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature15°C
Germination temperature20–30°C
Base growth temperature12°C
Min. daylength to start10.5h
Photoperiod sensitivityday neutral

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Cucamelon?
Plant Cucamelon 25cm apart with 40cm between rows.
When can I harvest Cucamelon?
Cucamelon is ready to harvest approximately 70 days after transplanting.
Is Cucamelon frost hardy?
Cucamelon is classified as Tender.

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