Uncomplicated to cultivate and extremely tasty these properties ensure a horticultural revival of Melothria Scabra. The plant, originally from Mexico, is the ideal snack plant and is also very popular with children. In addition, it can even be cultivated in a bucket on the balcony, provided you give it a sufficiently high climbing aid. You can easily grow mini cucumbers yourself from seeds.
It can take up to three weeks before the Mexican mini cucumber germinates
Where can you get the seeds?
Seeds for this plant are available from well-stocked garden shops.
Alternatively, you can harvest the seeds yourself as Melothria Scabra is seed proof. To do this, wait until the little gherkins are fully ripe, they will then fall to the ground on their own. Cut them open, 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 keep until next spring.
The Cultivation
The right time for the pre-culture is between the end of February and mid-March. The following procedure has proven itself when sowing:
- Fill the growing pots or bowls with growing soil.
- The sowing depth is one to two centimeters (dark germs).
- Wet potty with a sprayer and cover with a clear hood or foil.
- Put the pots in a bright place. The temperature should be between 18 and 25 degrees. - Keep evenly moist but not too wet and air daily. This prevents mold and rot.
- The germination period is 22 to 26 days.
About a week after the first leaves have appeared, you should separate the plantlets. Use nutrient-rich substrate for this and offer the climbing plants a support.
When can the Mexican mini cucumbers 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 a footing. Just a few weeks later, between the end of June and the beginning of July, you can harvest the first gherkins.
tips
You can also get Mexican mini cucumbers as ready-made plants from garden retailers. You can plant them directly outdoors and nibble on the fruits two months later.