Often grows near ditches or where water is plentiful. Considered eradicated in California at this time. Germinates nearly year round, except when temperatures are freezing. Immature fruits can contain viable seed. Dry fruits become hard and can remain intact in the soil for extended periods.
Fruits float at all stages and can disperse with water .
Animals eat fruits at all stages, and excreted seeds appear to remain highly viable. Seeds from broken fruits can adhere to animals, shoes, clothing, tools, and machinery by the sticky coating, which dries like glue. Harvesting and destroying or composting fruits can prevent dispersal to new sites. Fruits, especially seeds, contain cucurbitacins, compounds that can be toxic to livestock or humans when consumed. Paddy melon does not hybridize with commercial melons or dudaim melon and is susceptible to several viruses that affect tomatoes and potatoes.