Melothria Scabra

Description

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Species: Scabra
Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber , Mouse watermelon

Heirloom from central America presented 1866′. This tiny, watermelon-inspired fruit, will taste like a cucumber when eaten early or like a pickled cucumber when eaten mature.  Commonly known by its Spanish name, Sandita, which means little watermelon. Also known by many other names, that commonly translates to Mouse Melon.  Delicious when added to a salad or just as a garden snack.  The wonderful flavor when eaten fresh or pickled. May have a slow start, but once it starts growing, expect a generous yield.  Easily save seed from overripe fruit and plant the following year!

Sow the seeds inside in a seed tray in April or May. Transplant the seedlings outside after the last frost. Grow on as you would with normal cucumbers. Feed and water well when the fruits are set.