How to Grow Mexican Sour Gherkins

Mexican sour gherkins (Melothria scabra) are bite-sized vegetables that resemble tiny watermelons. They are, in fact, related to watermelons, cucumbers and squash. Also known as mouse melons, they are native to Central America as well as Mexico. Grow Mexican sour gherkins in a sunny spot in the garden and care for them as you would a cucumber plant. To discourage pests, such as slugs, grow the plant on a trellis.

Trellis
10-10-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Grow Mexican sour gherkins in well-drained soil to which you have added 3 to 4 inches of well-rotted manure or compost.
- 2
  Install a cage or trellis, 6 inches from the plants, to give them support as they grow.
- 3
  Provide the Mexican sour gherkins with 1 inch of water a week during periods of low or no rainfall. Water in the morning and at the soil, not overhead.
- 4
  Fertilize the Mexican sour gherkin plant when it produces buds. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer and scatter it on the soil around the plant. Don't allow the granules to touch any part of the plant and water to a depth of 6 inches after application.
- 5
  Harvest the Mexican sour gherkins 65 days after planting by cutting them from the plant with pruning shears.

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