Where Can I Buy Cucamelon Plants? Your Guide to Sourcing This Unique Fruit

If you’re looking to add something new and exciting to your edible garden, cucamelons deserve your consideration. These grape-sized fruits offer a fresh burst of flavor and texture that will have you hooked after just one taste. But where can you buy cucamelon plants to start growing this unique crop at home?

With their delicate cucumber-melon flavor, crisp texture, and super convenient bite-sized form, it’s no wonder cucamelon popularity is soaring. Luckily, several options exist for procuring plants, allowing both veteran and novice gardeners to experience growing cucamelons.

What are Cucamelons?

Cucamelon goes by several interesting names, including Mexican sour gherkin Mexican miniature watermelon and mouse melon. But they all refer to the same delightful fruit produced by cucamelon vines.

Cucamelons belong to the gourd and cucumber family Cucurbitaceae. Their scientific name is Melothria scabra.

These petite oblong fruits measure about 1-2 inches long. Their thin crunchy skin encases a juicy pulp studded with tiny edible seeds. The flavor is a mouthwatering combination of cucumber and watermelon.

Where to Buy Cucamelon Plants

Cucamelon seeds and plants are sold by a variety of retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy plants:

• Local nurseries and garden centers – Many carry a selection of vegetable starts in spring, including cucamelons

• Online seed companies – Reputable companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Burpee sell cucamelon seeds you can start indoors.

• Mail order nurseries – Companies like Territorial Seed Company sell starter plants delivered to your door.

• Big box stores – Large chains like Home Depot sometimes stock vegetable transplants, occasionally including cucamelons.

• Farmers markets & local growers – Check farmers markets for homegrown cucamelon transplants in spring.

• Seed swaps & exchanges – Connect with fellow gardeners to swap seeds and cuttings for unique and heirloom varieties.

What to Look for When Buying Plants

Whether buying locally or ordering plants by mail, choose vigorous, healthy specimens by looking for:

• Stocky stems – Avoid spindly, weak plants which suggest poor growth.

• Abundant foliage – Leaves should be plentiful and emerald green.

• No flowers – Fruiting will stress young plants, so buy those without flowers or fruit.

• Good root system – If you can see roots, look for plentiful white roots.

• No pest damage – Inspect for chewed leaves, spots, or webbing indicating pests.

• Organically grown – Opt for organic plants when possible to avoid pesticide exposure.

• Reputable seller – Read company reviews and check with local extension office for recommendations.

Best Time to Buy Plants

Cucamelon is a heat-loving summer crop. Look for plants to purchase from mid spring through early summer.

• Spring – Buy transplants 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost to plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed.

• Early Summer – Purchase plants to replace any that don’t survive or to fill gaps for continuous harvest into fall.

• Fall – In mild climates, plant cucamelons in early fall for an overwintered spring harvest.

Where to Find Cucamelon Seeds

Looking to start even earlier? Cucamelon seeds can be sourced online through:

• Online retailers – High quality seeds available from stores like True Leaf Market and MIgardener.

• Seed company websites – Burpee, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and David’s Garden Seeds sell direct to consumers.

• Amazon – Convenient cucamelon seed packets from multiple sellers with quick shipping.

• Etsy – Find interesting heirloom varieties from independent sellers.

• eBay – Large selection of cucamelon seeds auctioned or sold at fixed price.

When purchasing cucamelon seeds, choose fresh seeds from the current year’s harvest when possible. Avoid old seeds that likely won’t germinate well. Reputable sellers will provide the seed packet’s sell-by date.

How to Start Cucamelon Seeds

Cucamelon seeds can be started indoors or direct sowed outside. Here are some tips for success:

Indoors:

• Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in seed starting mix 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost date.

• Keep soil moist and warm, around 70-80°F.

• Move to a sunny window or under grow lights after sprouting.

• Harden off plants before transplanting them outside.

Outdoors:

• Direct sow after danger of frost when soil warms to at least 65°F.

• Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in loose, well-draining soil with trellis support.

• Keep soil evenly moist for fast germination, which takes 5-10 days.

• Thin seedlings to 12-24 inches apart.

How Many Plants to Buy

Cucamelon vines produce heavily. Plant counts depend on:

• Growth habit – Smaller bush types require 2-3 plants, while vigorous climbing vines need just 1-2 plants.

• Support method – More plants needed for ground cover versus vertical growing.

• Desired yield – Plant more cucamelons if you plan to harvest heavily.

• Garden space – Scale quantities to available room for spreading vines or trellising.

As a general guideline, plan for:

• Bush types: Plant 2-3 plants per person you want to feed.

• Vining types: Plant 1-2 plants per person with vertical support.

Companion Plants for Cucamelons

Growing compatible companion plants nearby can benefit cucamelon vines. Consider pairing cucamelons with:

• Radishes – Deter cucumber beetles that attack cucamelon vines.

• Marigolds – Repel aphids, squash bugs, and beetles.

• Nasturtiums – Trap problematic aphids and improve flavor.

• Beans & peas – Provide trellises for climbing vines. Fix nitrogen.

• Corn – Offer partial shade. Cucamelons thrive with 80% sun exposure.

Getting the Best Price on Plants

While cucamelons may seem expensive, their high yields compensate for the initial investment. Ways to find the best deals include:

• Visit local nurseries and garden centers for lower prices on plants.

• Shop big box stores for volume discounts compared to smaller plant retailers.

• Buy seeds and start your own transplants for a fraction of plant prices.

• Ask fellow gardeners for cuttings to propagate new plants for free.

• Time purchases for late summer or early fall when vendors discount unsold plants.

• Take advantage of early order discounts from mail order nurseries.

Ensuring You Get What You Pay For

To guarantee you get viable cucamelon varieties suited for your growing conditions:

• Verify the botanical name is Melothria scabra. Other melons can be mislabeled as cucamelons.

• Select labeled varieties specifying cucamelon, Mexican sour gherkin, or mouse melon.

• For seeds, choose packets listing expected plant size, harvest period, and mature fruit dimensions.

• Seek varieties bred for disease resistance to maximize your planting investment.

• Research vendors through reviews and University extension recommendations.

• Inspect plants closely upon arrival and return any that are weak or substandard.

Ready to Enjoy Growing Cucamelons?

Part of the fun of gardening is discovering new-to-you varieties. If you love fresh cucumber flavor and small, poppable bites, cucamelon is sure to delight. With so many sources available to buy seeds and transplants, you can easily find top-quality cucamelon plants for your garden. Soon, you’ll be harvesting armloads of these crisp, sweet fruits straight from your own vines.