Melotria seeds: growing
Melotria (Latin Melothria) is an exotic plant that you can easily grow in your garden. Its fruits resemble small neat cucumbers, decorated like a watermelon. Their taste is a cross between the flesh of a melon and a cucumber. You can also eat the tubers of the plant. Some non-fruiting varieties of Melothria are suitable for landscaping balconies and greenhouses.
The plant belongs to the pumpkin family. All of its representatives are in the form of vines. Leaves can be whole or lobed. The fruits do not grow to large sizes. Their shape is berry-like. The family includes more than 80 species. Only a few of them survive in temperate climates.
Outwardly, melotria resembles cucumbers painted like a watermelon
The most common in our latitudes is rough melotria, which got its name due to its rough antennae. It does not require any special care measures, it grows quickly and looks good in the garden.
The plant will take root best of all if you plant it in the spring in the form of seedlings already prepared for independent life. When landing, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- In April, plant 2 Melotria seeds in plastic cups. Ordinary garden soil will do. Water for the first time with warm, settled water. Cover the containers with plastic bags and place them on a sunny window.
- When the sprouts reach 3-5 cm, open the window sashes for the day to harden the seedlings.
- Transplant the sprouts outdoors in mid-May. In case of frost, cover them overnight with a nonwoven fabric. Choose a sunny spot. Partial shade is also suitable. The distance between the seedlings should be about half a meter.
- Prepare a support for a plant that will extend 3 m.
When choosing a planting site, avoid areas where members of the pumpkin family previously grew. A tropical liana can adopt diseases and pests from its relatives.
An exotic vegetable should be watered frequently. If it’s cool, preheat the water. Every 10-15 days, feeding is required. The plant loves potash and phosphorus fertilizers. You do not need to pinch the shoots.
Spray the bush with soapy water at least 2 times during the summer months. This will prevent powdery mildew infection.
Fruits and tubers are a good addition to salads. Melotria not only bears fruit abundantly, but also looks very beautiful. Its luscious, luxurious greenery does not lose its brightness until autumn.