Cucumber (Caigua)

Plant family

Curcurbits (Cucurbitaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

75 cm

Row spacing

300 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

Description

The horned gourd, coril(l)a, caigua, disc, Inca and olive cucumber, is an ancient Peruvian useful and medicinal plant belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It is a climbing plant that can form tendrils up to 10 m long. The horn-shaped, light green, often spiny fruits taste like cucumbers and can be used like zucchini. The seeds are also edible, but are used more for medicinal purposes. It can also be stuffed.

Growing tips

Relatively cold tolerant, but sensitive to frost. Still grows to temperatures just above 0°C. Germination after 1-2 weeks at optimum 24°C. Harvest first fruits early for abundant harvest, fruits can be harvested at any size. If harvesting late, remove hard seeds before eating. Protected position. Self-pollinating (produces male and female flowers). Requires climbing support. Fertilize and water regularly. Needs plenty of sun. Cannot be stored for long. The tendrils and leaves can also be eaten.