Cucamelon Seeds - West Indian Burr Gherkin

Name: Cucamelon Seeds - West Indian Burr Gherkin
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: CU30
Price: 2.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Tiny but mighty—Cucamelon Seeds burst with refreshing cucumber-lime flavor, perfect for snappy salads and vibrant pickles.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: CU30

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the charming world of Cucamelon Seeds - West Indian Burr Gherkin, an intriguing addition to your vegetable garden. This heirloom variety is known for its vigorous climbing vines that can reach up to 10 feet, making it ideal for trellising. The small, grape-sized fruits resemble miniature watermelons and are ready to harvest in approximately 60 to 70 days. Their unique appearance is matched by a delightful crunch and a refreshing, cucumber-like taste with a hint of citrus.

As the fruits mature, they transition from a pale green to a deeper shade, signaling their readiness for picking. Each vine is prolific, offering a generous yield throughout the growing season. The West Indian Burr Gherkin thrives in warm, sunny conditions and requires regular watering to maintain its lush growth. Its resilience to pests and diseases makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

In the kitchen, these bite-sized gems are versatile, adding a zesty twist to salads, salsas, and pickles. Their crisp texture and tangy flavor make them a delightful snack straight from the vine. Whether you're looking to diversify your culinary creations or simply enjoy a unique garden experience, the Cucamelon Seeds - West Indian Burr Gherkin is a captivating choice.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Frost Hardy

Tender

Scientific Name

Cucumis anguria

Maturity

70-79 Days (from transplant)

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'West Indian Burr Gherkin' (Cucumis anguria)Insects & MitesAphids (leaf curling, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Blast colonies with a firm water spray; follow with insecticidal soap or neem at 5–7 day intervals. Break ant trails (they protect aphids). Plant nectar strips (alyssum, dill, yarrow) to boost lacewings and lady beetles.Cucumber Beetles (leaf holes, stunted growth)Controls: Use floating row covers to protect young plants. Handpick beetles in the early morning. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil.Spider Mites (stippling, webbing on leaves)Controls: Increase humidity around plants and spray with a strong water jet. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage predatory mites and lady beetles by planting diverse flora.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (white powdery spots on leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur-based fungicides or potassium bicarbonate at the first sign of disease. Remove and destroy infected plant parts.Downy Mildew (yellow patches, leaf browning)Controls: Improve drainage and reduce leaf wetness. Use copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure. Rotate crops and avoid planting cucurbits in the same spot each year.Bacterial Wilt (wilting, plant collapse)Controls: Control cucumber beetles, which spread the disease. Remove and destroy infected plants promptly. Practice crop rotation and use resistant varieties if available.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (dark, sunken spots on fruit)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid drought stress. Ensure adequate calcium levels in the soil. Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.Sunscald (white, papery patches on fruit)Controls: Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Ensure plants have adequate foliage cover. Avoid sudden exposure to intense sunlight after cloudy periods.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases.- Maintain proper spacing for air circulation.- Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.- Use mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.- Encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings.- Apply preventative treatments at the first sign of trouble.

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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

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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.

The Cucamelon, often whimsically referred to as the Mexican Sour Gherkin or the West Indian Burr Gherkin, emerges from the sun-drenched landscapes of Central America, particularly Mexico and parts of Central America. The name itself is a playful nod to its appearance and flavor: resembling a miniature watermelon, yet tasting like a cucumber with a hint of citrusy tang. Some say the \"sour\" moniker captures the refreshing zing that surprises the palate, while others believe it reflects the fruit's vibrant, invigorating essence as it hangs like tiny, striped jewels among the vine.For centuries, the cucamelon has been a staple in the diets of indigenous peoples across its native regions, cherished not only for its unique taste but for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Local communities would incorporate the small fruits into salsas, salads, and pickles, often to refresh and hydrate during the sweltering summer months. In traditional medicine, the cucamelon was believed to have diuretic properties, aiding in detoxification and digestion. Furthermore, its resilience and ease of growth made it a reliable crop in the diverse and sometimes challenging climates of its homeland.Despite its longstanding presence in Central America, the cucamelon remained largely unknown to the wider world until the late 20th century, when culinary explorers and heirloom seed savers began to share its seeds and stories beyond its native borders. Its charming appearance and delightful flavor quickly captured the imagination of gardeners and food enthusiasts alike, sparking a resurgence of interest in heirloom and exotic produce.Botanically, the cucamelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, closely related to cucumbers and melons. Its scientific name, Melothria scabra, hints at its rugged, burr-like skin, which belies the tender, juicy flesh within. This botanical heritage contributes to its hardiness and adaptability, allowing it to thrive in a variety of growing conditions and making it a favorite among home gardeners seeking novelty and nostalgia in their plots.Though it may not boast the fiery fame of the hottest peppers, the cucamelon holds its own as a culinary curiosity and a symbol of biodiversity. It is the fruit that invites a sense of wonder and playfulness, appearing in everything from gourmet dishes and artisanal cocktails to garden tours and seed exchanges.Yet in its native regions, the cucamelon is more than a novelty. It is a cultural treasure, deeply rooted in the traditions and agricultural practices of Central America, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the peoples who first cultivated its charm. To grow the Cucamelon today is to partake in a narrative that bridges ancient culinary traditions and modern gastronomic exploration, honoring both the ancestral farmers who first nurtured its vines and the contemporary enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its legacy.

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.

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