The Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

The Mexican sour gherkin cucumber, also known as the cucamelon, is a small cucumber-like fruit that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is about the size of a grape or cherry tomato and has a tangy, slightly sour flavor that is often compared to a combination of cucumber and lemon. It can be eaten raw or pickled and is popular in salads, salsas, and other dishes.

To grow Mexican sour gherkin cucumbers from seeds, you can follow these steps:

Start by selecting a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil.

Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep in the soil and space them about 12 inches apart.

Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-10 days.

Once the seedlings have grown to about 2 inches tall, thin them out so that each plant is spaced about 24 inches apart.

Provide support for the plants to climb, such as a trellis or fence, as the vines can grow up to 10 feet long.

Water the plants regularly, making sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Harvest the fruits when they are about the size of a grape or cherry tomato and have a slightly yellow color. They should be firm to the touch and have a slightly shiny appearance.

By following these steps, you should be able to grow Mexican sour gherkin cucumbers from seeds and enjoy their unique flavor in your cooking.