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Fruits

Mouse Melon

Melothria scabra

Mouse Melon, also known as Mexican sour gherkin, is a small, cucumber-like fruit that grows on a vine. It is characterized by its unique flavor, which is a mix of cucumber and lime, making it popular in salads and as a garnish. The plant is a vigorous climber and produces small, round fruits that are typically about the size of a grape.

Calculate System for Mouse Melon
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Mouse Melon is a warm-season crop that thrives in well-drained soils. It can be grown vertically to save space and improve air circulation. Varieties include 'Mexican Sour Gherkin' and 'Cucamelon'.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Ideal temperatures for growth are between 20°C and 25°C. Protect from frost and extreme heat.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Mouse Melon Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Mouse Melon field.

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Related Guides

Growing and Irrigating Mouse Melon: An Economically Efficient Approach

Introduction Mouse Melon, also known as Mexican Sour Gherkin or Sandíita, is a small vine fruit that belongs to the cucumber family. It is native to Mexico and Central America and has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor and high nutritional value. In this article, we will discuss how to grow…

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