Cyclanthera pedata
stuffing gourd
An annual, 3m or more high, climbing by tendrils, with leaves up to 20cm across, divided into from five to ten lance-shaped green lobes, panicles 10-20cm long of greenish white male flowers about 5mm across, and solitary greenish white female flowers, followed by green fruits, 5-15cm long, which are edible and eaten as a vegetable, either raw when young or cooked when mature after removing the seeds
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a glasshouse in medium humidity and bright, filtered light, or outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, in a warm sheltered position, in sun or light shade, in humus-rich, water-retentive, gritty, free-draining compost or soil, and provide support such as trellis or netting
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, and plant seedlings out when all danger of frost has passed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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