Melothria scabra «Shapito» – an exotic plant from the cucurbit family, resembling a watermelon or cucumber. The vine can reach a height of 2.5–3 meters, so when growing in open ground, support is required – such as a plastic net, trellises, or other vertical structures. The plant prefers sunny spots with light, fertile, and loose soil of neutral acidity; moisture should be moderate, as melothria does not tolerate drought or excessive moisture well.
Seeds are sown in early April–May. Sprouts appear within 10 days, after which the plant is transplanted into open ground once the threat of frost has passed. To protect against cold, spunbond can be used until stable warmth is established. Throughout the growth period, regular watering and fertilizing are necessary – five to six times per season, starting from the appearance of the second leaf, at the beginning of flowering, when fruits form, and during fruiting.
Fruits are small, light green, up to 4 cm long, and are usually harvested when they reach 2–3 cm. The taste resembles cucumber with a slight acidity; the skin is thin and slightly sour. Fruits are suitable for fresh salads, pickling, and canning. Additionally, melothria root vegetables are edible – they have a taste of radish and cucumber; roots can be harvested in September–October; the yield of roots is up to 1.5 kg per plant.
Melothria «Shapito» is resistant to pests and diseases. If powdery mildew appears, the plant should be sprayed with a soapy solution. The plant does not tolerate weeds, so when planting, ensure a clean spot for growth. Good predecessors include peas, corn, onion, beans, and parsley; poor predecessors include tomato, eggplant, zucchini, carrot, pepper, cucumber, and pumpkin.
The final yield of one plant can reach 3.5 kg of fruits with proper care. The plant easily climbs supports, and its leaves remain green until the end of the growing season, which makes melothria an excellent decorative element for vertical greening of balconies, gazebos, and fences.
