The cultivation of Melothria Scabra is quite uncomplicated, since the mini cucumber is hardly afflicted by pests and diseases. She also thrives outdoors and produces high yields. With our instructions, you can easily sow and propagate the robust plant yourself.
The seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits
Sowing and cultivation:
- Prefer plants: mid-March to mid-April
- Germination temperature: 20 - 25 degrees
- Germination period: 21 - to 28 days
Follow these steps:
- Fill special seed trays with potting soil. This is low in nutrients, which encourages the seedlings to develop stronger roots.
- Place only one seed in each pot. As a result, the sensitive plants do not have to be isolated.
- Dampen the soil with a sprayer and cover the pots with a clear hood or translucent film.
- Water regularly, the substrate must not dry out.
- Daily airing prevents mold growth.
- When the first leaves appear, you can remove the hood.
- As soon as the seedlings are a few centimeters tall, insert a skewer into the planter as a climbing aid.
When can Melothria Scabra be placed outdoors?
The Mexican mini cucumber is very sensitive to frost. Therefore, you should only transfer the plants to the garden after the ice saints. Give it a full sun, wind-protected location with a trellis. The planting distance should not be less than 50 centimeters.
If late frosts or cool nights threaten, the heat-loving plants must be protected with garden fleece.
get your own seeds
If you are already cultivating the plant in your garden, you can use your own seeds:
- Squeeze the seeds out of the fully ripe fruit.
- Rinse the pulp.
- Let the seeds dry on kitchen paper.
- Store in small paper bags until next spring.
tips
Do not lose patience if the Mexican mini cucumber develops quite slowly at first. After a while, it begins to grow very quickly, clinging to anything it can get hold of with its tendrils.