The Fig Leaf Gourd ( Cucurbita ficifolia ) is a favourite in Mexico, Latin America, Parts of Europe and Asia. Most parts of this plant are edible, the fruit is popular in both sweet and savoury dishes and in smoothies. The seeds can be eaten raw or roasted, are high in protein; and have a tasty, nutty flavour.
This species has range of medical uses and health benefits, including having hypoglycemic effects in diabetes. The fruit of the Cucurbita ficifolia can be stored for long periods; up to 2 years.
The plant is grown as a perennial in sub-tropical and tropical zones, but not being frost tolerant; is grown as an annual in temperate areas. Other common names for The Fig leaf Gourd include Malabar Gourd; Chilacayote; Alcayota; Fig Leaf Squash, Shark Fin Melon, and Seven Year Melon.
Growth
Cucurbita ficifolia is a climbing plant whose main stem can grow from 5-15 metres (16-50 feet) in length, with tendrils that can grow to a similar length as well. They will grow happily along the ground like melons and although the size of the Fig Leaf Gourd sounds huge; unless you want a large plant growing along the ground; they really don’t have to take up as much room as you may think. This species can easily grow up a sturdy trellis and looks amazing growing over an arch, the large fruit hanging down is quite a fantastic sight.
The leaves are fig like, which is where it gets its species name ‘ficifolia’ meaning Fig Leaf in Latin and can grow to around 25 cm’s long & wide. They are edible along with the young stems and the flowers, which are yellow. Its fruit can grow as large as 30 cm’s long by 20cm’s wide, has a marbled white and green skin and is ready for first harvest as early as 40-50 days, up to 6 months for mature fruit.
It enjoys warm temperatures and struggles when temperatures fall below 10°C (28°F), however once established it will cope with very short, mild frost. It is said that this species has successfully been grown in Scotland!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cucurbitaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 36°C / 50 to 97°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (50 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 15 metres (50 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Perennial, dependent on climate.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low – Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees, Insects. Monoecious
MATURITY:
2-3 months for first harvest, 6 months for mature fruit.
GERMINATION RATES:
82-91% (See Germination Instructions)
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 6-8 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT CUCURBITA FICIFOLIA (Fig Leaf Gourd)
The ripe fruit can weigh 5-6 kilograms and can be stored for up to 2 years with its flavour getting sweeter the longer it is stored, it was often taken on long sea voyages for this reason.
Cucurbita ficifolia is full of nutritious health benefits and also has medicinal properties. The fruit is said to aid in the prevention and control of diabetes; assist with depression, have weight loss capabilities, and boost immunity among many other advantages.
