Melothria scabra - Ferme de Sainte Marthe Seeds

The Confit Cucumber, Melothria scabra in Latin, is a very unique climbing vegetable plant that produces dark green fruits with pale green stripes, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in). Their taste closely resembles that of a cucumber. They can be consumed raw, in salads or as a snack with salt, or as a condiment, pickled in vinegar, like gherkins. This small vegetable is sown from March to May for a harvest from June to September.

Originally from Central America and Mexico and belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, the Confit Cucumber is a perennial vegetable plant cultivated as an annual in our climates. It has lobed green leaves and produces small oblong dark green fruits with pale green stripes that are harvested when they reach a size of 2 to 3cm (1in). Melothria scabra has a climbing habit and is equipped with tendrils, but you can also let it run along the ground.

It is a fast-growing, productive vegetable that thrives in the sun, in moist and humus-rich soil. Its cultivation is easy and it is resistant to diseases.

Harvest: The harvest takes place approximately 80 days after sowing and before the fruits reach their final size. It should be done very regularly, ideally every two days during the peak production period, as the fruits grow rapidly and become less interesting.

Storage: freshly harvested confit cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days before being pickled in vinegar.

Gardener's tip: Like all cucurbits, this small cucumber can be susceptible to powdery mildew: a white coating appears on the foliage. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulphur every 2 weeks. In case of minor infestation, you can also treat the plants with skimmed milk diluted in rainwater at a ratio of 10 to 20%. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure proper ventilation in your greenhouse if the cultivation is done under cover. A decoction of horsetail can also be applied to strengthen the foliage's resistance.

Organic or "AB" seeds come from plants grown without phytosanitary products (insecticides, herbicides). These seeds also do not undergo any treatment after harvest. They bear the AB label and are certified by Ecocert, an independent organization.