Cucamelon Seeds - Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS

Name: Cucamelon Seeds - Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: CU31
Price: 2.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Tiny but mighty—Cucamelon Seeds burst with tangy, refreshing crunch, perfect for zesty salads and gourmet garnishes.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: CU31

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the delightful charm of Cucamelon Seeds - Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS, a unique cultivar that promises to captivate with its intriguing appearance and flavor. This compact vine grows vigorously, reaching a manageable height, making it ideal for small spaces and container gardening. The plants produce an impressive yield of tiny, grape-sized fruits that resemble miniature watermelons with a crisp, refreshing taste reminiscent of cucumber and a hint of citrus. These cucamelons mature in approximately 60 to 70 days, offering a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. The fruits are best picked when they reach about 1 to 1.5 inches in length, ensuring optimal flavor and texture. Their unique appearance and taste make them a versatile addition to salads, salsas, and pickling projects, adding a pop of visual interest and a burst of flavor. Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and support for the climbing vines. This cultivar is not only a conversation starter in the garden but also a culinary delight in the kitchen, offering a refreshing twist to traditional dishes. Grow these charming cucamelons and enjoy the unique taste and aesthetic they bring to your culinary creations.

$2⁰⁰ USD

Secure checkout Details

Minimum Seed Count

Frost Hardy

Tender

Scientific Name

Cucumis sativus

Maturity

70-79 Days (from transplant)

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS' (Melothria scabra)Insects & MitesCucumber Beetles (leaf damage, bacterial wilt vector)Controls: Use floating row covers early in the season to prevent beetles from reaching plants. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops annually to disrupt life cycles.Spider Mites (stippling, webbing on leaves)Controls: Increase humidity around plants to deter mites. Apply miticides or horticultural oils if infestations are severe. Encourage predatory mites by planting diverse flora nearby.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (white powdery spots on leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately. Apply sulfur-based fungicides or potassium bicarbonate at the first sign of infection. Remove and destroy heavily infected plant parts.Downy Mildew (yellow patches on leaves, grayish mold underside)Controls: Use resistant varieties and ensure proper plant spacing for air circulation. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure. Remove and destroy affected foliage to reduce spore spread.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (dark, sunken spots on fruit)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and ensure adequate calcium levels in the soil. Mulch to retain soil moisture and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can exacerbate the problem.Heat Stress (wilting, leaf scorch)Controls: Provide shade during the hottest part of the day using shade cloths. Ensure regular watering to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce soil temperature fluctuations.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of insect activity and damage.- Maintain proper plant spacing to enhance air circulation and reduce disease pressure.- Rotate crops annually to disrupt pest and disease cycles.- Apply preventive fungicides and insecticides as needed, following label instructions.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants and maintaining habitat diversity.- Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust irrigation practices to prevent stress-related issues.

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Is this a good fit for your garden?

Answer the checklist to see your fit

Sunlight I can give this crop 6+ hours of sun daily

Light afternoon shade helps cool-season crops in heat; warm-season crops love consistent sun.

Water access I have reliable watering (hose/drip) for consistent moisture

Keep evenly moist to avoid stress, bitterness, or early bolting.

Space My bed spacing meets 8" between plants or hills

Season length My growing window fits this crop’s days to first harvest

Set your ZIP above to auto-check this for you.

I can extend with row cover, cold frame, or light frost protection

Soil & temperature Soil drains well and is workable at about 50–70°F for sowing/transplant

Cool soil aids germination; hot weather can slow growth or trigger bolting.

Cucamelon, the enchanting Parisian Gherkin, emerges from the fertile soils of Mesoamerica, where it has been cultivated for centuries by indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America. Known locally as \"sandiita\" or \"little watermelon,\" the cucamelon is a delightful misnomer, for despite its miniature watermelon appearance, it is neither a melon nor a cucumber. Its scientific name, Melothria scabra, hints at its unique lineage within the Cucurbitaceae family.In the traditional gardens of the Aztecs and Mayans, cucamelons were prized for their refreshing crunch and tangy flavor, reminiscent of cucumber with a hint of citrus. These tiny fruits, no larger than a grape, were often consumed fresh, pickled, or added to salsas and salads, providing a burst of flavor and hydration in the tropical heat. Beyond the kitchen, cucamelons held cultural significance as symbols of abundance and fertility, celebrated in seasonal festivals and rituals.The cucamelon's journey to Europe began in the late 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought seeds back from the New World. In France, it earned the moniker \"Parisian Gherkin,\" where it was embraced by chefs and gardeners alike for its novel appearance and versatility. By the 18th century, cucamelons had become a fashionable delicacy in Parisian cuisine, often served as a garnish or in elaborate pickling recipes.Despite its long history, the cucamelon remained a botanical curiosity until the 21st century, when renewed interest in heirloom and exotic vegetables brought it back into the spotlight. The Parisian Gherkin F1 AAS, a modern cultivar, has been celebrated for its robust growth and prolific yield, making it a favorite among home gardeners and urban farmers seeking a touch of the exotic.Botanically, cucamelons are fascinating for their resilience and adaptability. They thrive in a variety of climates, resistant to pests and diseases that often plague other cucurbits. This hardiness, coupled with their unique flavor and appearance, has made them a popular choice for those seeking sustainable and diverse crop options.While other exotic fruits have captured the culinary world's attention, the cucamelon remains a cherished heirloom, a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of its native lands. To cultivate the Parisian Gherkin today is to partake in a legacy that spans continents and centuries, honoring the indigenous farmers who first nurtured its vines and the modern enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its charm and versatility.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

Soil Readiness

for Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Where to get a soil test

Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.

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Tip: Arid or alkaline regions often use Olsen for phosphorus interpretation.

Interprets P by extractant, assumes ppm. Results are approximate.

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