Cucurbita ficifolia
fig-leaf gourd
A vigorous and productive species of climbing/trailing squash, reaching a height of up to 10m, with attractive fig-leaf shaped green foliage. The fruits are oval in shape and green with white mottling. They look stunning when grown over an archway or trellis. The fruits are edible at any stage and can be used to make soups and curries. Stores well. Sow in spring for harvesting summer to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Orange Yellow | Green | Green White | |
| Autumn | Green | Green White | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Climbing, Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Americas
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Start indoors from mid-late April, sowing in individual pots with seeds on their side about 1.5cm deep. Harden off before June then transplant outdoors to final growing position. Requires plenty of room to grow. See pumpkin cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
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