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Hudson Valley Seed Co.

Mexican Sour Gherkin Seedlings

Melothria scabra

Certified Organic

Tiny fruits with cucumber flavor that pop at each bite.

When a vegetable is as adorable as Mexican Sour Gherkins, cute nicknames pop up as plentifully as fruits on a vine. Also called Cucamelon and Sanditas (Spanish for little watermelon), Gherkins are most charmingly known as Mouse Melons. Neither a cucumber nor a melon, Mouse Melons are in a league—and a genus—of their own. Just about the right size for a mouse meal, humans can eat these cute fruits in single bites. Like their tangy burst of flavor? There’s always more of this high-yielding treat.

Itty bitty, bite-sized cucumber-like fruits form on this unique, sprawling but small leaved vine. Each bite is a refreshing, explosive sensation, and the flavor is a treat: sweet and pleasant, but predominantly tangy, hence the name. They also make lovely pickles. Not a true cucumber, but a member of the species Melothria scabra. A great choice for small spaces, those who love anything unique, and for market growers. Also a very popular item sold at farmer's markets in half or full pints. Trellis for best production, ease of harvest, and use of space.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
4-pack of seedlings $5.99
In-store Only

Price as selected: $0.00

Growing instructions
Direct sow after frost or start under protection up to 3 weeks before. Provide fertile soil and support for climbing. Harvest regularly.
Product Details
Days to Maturity 75 days
Days to Germination 3-10 days
Width at Maturity 12"
Height at Maturity 36-48"
Sun Conditions Full Sun (8+ Hours Sun)
Planting Depth _"
Row Spacing 36-60"
Plant Spacing 12"
Special shipping

Seedlings are available for in-store pickup ONLY May 1st through May 16th at our greenhouses in Accord, NY.

About the artist
Artwork by Wendy Edelson. Wendy, a children's book illustrator, was a natural choice to capture the cuteness and complexity of this winding, vining crop. With precise pencil and ink illustrations, Edelson brought this variety, and a delightful picnic, to life.
    Healthy Mexican Sour Gherkin vegetable seedlings from Hudson Valley Seed Co. with vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems.
    Mexican Sour Gherkin vegetable seedlings from Hudson Valley Seed Co., vibrant young plants ready for planting.
    Healthy Mexican Sour Gherkin seedlings from Hudson Valley Seed Co. ready for planting in the vegetable garden.
    Healthy Mexican Sour Gherkin vegetable seedlings from Hudson Valley Seed Co. ready for planting in a garden.
    Mexican Sour Gherkin seedling from Hudson Valley Seed Co. ready to grow, vibrant green vegetable plant with small, textured gourmets.