Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

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Photo by Dick Culbert

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Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

Scientific Name: Melothria scabra

Also Known As

Melothria scabra 'Mexican Sour Gherkin'
Mouse Melon

Plant type

perennial, vine, annual / biennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 1'-5'
W: 1'-5'

planting zones

7b-12

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Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber plant details

Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial or perennial fruit / vegetable or vine with green foliage. In summer white and yellow flowers emerge followed by green and yellow fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial fruit / vegetable or vine
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 5 FT - wide, 1 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: cascading, container plant, culinary, edible, heirloom, mildew-resistant, trellis, tropical-looking, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

USDA Zones: 7b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

It’s a cucumber cute attack! This wee cucurbit from south of the border is also known as the “Mouse Melon.” Indeed, the seriously small (1-2”) fruits look like wee watermelons for a mousey picnic. Growing on dainty vines to 5’, they bear prolifically till frost. The fruits have a sweet cucumber flavor with an acidic bite. Great fresh in salads, but they make awesome pickles. Awesome, adorable pickles. Great for kids & grownups like m’self who are suckers for this kind of stuff.