If you’re looking for something interesting to grow, check out Cacamelon! They look like a small watermelon but are about the size of a grape (about 1-2 inches). Their green skin is patterned in light, irregular or striped patterns and provides a smooth texture. However, looking like a small watermelon is where the similarities end. It is mildly tart and refreshing with a flavor similar to the combination of cucumber and lemon.
The cucamelon is a warm season crop, and is usually grown as an annual. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to grow them from seed.
How to Grow Cucamelons
First, you will need to purchase some watermelon seeds. A number of online stores specialize in selling seeds. Some popular retailers include Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and seed companies such as Burpee, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Eden Brothers. In addition, many seed companies offer print or online catalogs of a variety of seeds. Ask for a catalog or browse the Internet to find and purchase seeds.
Once you have the seeds on hand, here are the instructions for planting them:
About 4 to 6 weeks before the expected last frost date in your area, sow chameleon seeds in small pots or seed trays filled with a well-drained, high-quality seed mix. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Place the pots or seed trays in a warm location, ideally between 75°F to 85°F. A heat mat can help maintain a constant temperature. Make sure the plants get enough light from a sunny window or at least 12-14 hours of light per day.
Once the danger of frost has passed and the plants have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outside. Gradually acclimate these plants to outdoor conditions over the course of 7-10 days and place them outside to increase the daily period.
Cucamelons need a sunny location and well-drained soil. Before planting, add some compost or aged compost to the soil to improve fertility and texture.
Camelon plants are vines that require support to climb. Therefore, install a trellis, cage, or other support structure before planting. The supports should be 5-6 feet tall for the vine to grow.
Plants are spaced approximately 12-18 inches apart, depending on available growing space. Dig a hole slightly larger than each plant’s root ball and gently place the plant into the hole. Fill the hole with soil, making sure to plant the plant at the same depth as the pot. Water the plants well after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water deeply at the base of the plants. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. Instead, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or use a compost tea every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients for growth.
Although they are relatively resistant to common pests and diseases, it is important to monitor your plants and implement appropriate management practices if problems arise.
The cucamelon plant is ready to harvest when it is about 1-2 inches tall, usually 65-75 days after planting. Harvest the fruit regularly to encourage more production.
Zone-Specific Growing Information
Coquemelons are best suited to USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, where they can be grown as a perennial. However, they can also be grown as annuals in a wide range of Zones 4 through 10, with some modifications to planting and growing practices.
In cooler zones (4-8), it is important to start chameleon seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date and to plant them outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. These plants require a long, warm growing season with temperatures between 75°F to 85°F for optimal growth, so providing them with adequate heat and sunlight is crucial in cold regions.
In warmer regions (9 and 10), gables can be planted directly outside after the last frost date or grown as a perennial, depending on the local climate. Since they are native to Central America, they thrive in areas with mild winters and hot summers.
Cucamelon Pests and Diseases
Cucamelon are relatively resistant to common pests, so you shouldn’t get sleepy about them, but they can still be affected by some pests that target cucumbers, melons, and squash. Some of the common pests that can affect cucamelons include:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from plant leaves, causing wrinkled, yellowing, and deformed growth. They can also transmit plant viruses. Natural predators, such as ladybugs can help control aphids. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective against them.
Spider mites: These tiny spiders feed on plant sap, causing cankers or yellowing of leaves and possibly leaf drop. A strong spray of water can help kill spider mites, and introducing natural predators such as mite predators can help keep them in check. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to treat the infection.
Whiteflies: These small, white flying insects feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. They also secrete aphids, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control whitefly populations.
Squash bugs: These brown, shield-shaped insects suck plant sap and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. Hand picking and destroying insects and their eggs and using row covers can help manage squash bug populations.
Cucumber beetles: These yellow and black beetles can damage plants by feeding on leaves, flowers and fruits. They can also transmit bacterial wilt, a disease that can cause plants to wilt and die. Row mulching, hand picking and the use of insecticides specifically for cucumber beetles can help control their numbers.
Slugs and snails: These insects can cause great damage to plants and leaves by feeding at night. Use bear traps, copper baits, or organic baits to control slugs and snails in your yard.
