Easy to care for and extremely tasty - these properties ensure a horticultural revival of Melothria Scabra. The plant, which originally comes from Mexico, is the ideal snack plant and is also very popular with children. In addition, it can even be cultivated in a pot on the balcony, provided you give it a sufficiently high climbing aid. You can easily grow mini cucumbers yourself from seeds.
When and how are Mexican mini cucumbers grown?
The cultivation of the Mexican mini cucumber (Melothria Scabra) begins between the end of February and mid-March: Sowing in cultivation pots with a seeding depth of 1-2 cm, keep moist and ventilate daily. After a germination period of 22 to 26 days and separation, the plants can be placed outdoors in mid-May.
Where do you get the seeds?
You can get the seeds for this plant from well-stocked garden shops (€1.00 on Amazon).
Alternatively, you can get the seeds yourself, as Melothria Scabra is seed-resistant. To do this, wait until the little cucumbers are fully ripe; they will then fall to the ground on their own. Cut them open and scrape the seeds out of the fruit. Rinse the pulp well in a sieve and let the seeds dry on a piece of kitchen paper. Stored in small paper bags it will last until next spring.
The cultivation
The right time for pre-cultivation is between the end of February and mid-March. The following procedure has proven successful when sowing:
- Fill growing pots or bowls with growing soil.
- The sowing depth is one to two centimeters (dark germination).
- Wet the pot with a sprayer and cover with a transparent hood or foil.
- Place the pots in a bright place. The temperature should be between 18 and 25 degrees. – Keep it evenly moist but not too wet and ventilate daily. This prevents mold and rot.
- The germination period is 22 to 26 days.
About a week after the first leaves appear, you should separate the plants. To do this, use nutrient-rich substrate and provide the climbing plants with support.
When are the Mexican mini cucumbers allowed to go outdoors?
In mid-May, after the Ice Saints, when there is no longer any threat of frost, you can plant the cucumbers outdoors. The planting distance should be at least 40 centimeters. Give Melothria Scabra a climbing aid so that the thin shoots can find support. Just a few weeks later, between the end of June and the beginning of July, you can harvest the first cucumbers.
Tip
Mexican mini cucumbers are also available as ready-made plants in garden shops. You can plant these directly outdoors and eat the fruits just two months later.
