{"product_id":"cucumber-achocha-bolivian-giant-seeds","title":"Cucumber Achocha Bolivian Giant Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCyclanthera pedata\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t let the name fool you, Achocha isn’t actually a cucumber, although it belongs to the same botanical family, Cucurbitaceae. Native to the Andes of South America, this unusual heirloom is a vigorous climbing vine producing distinctive green, softly spined fruits with a flavour somewhere between cucumber and capsicum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Caigua, Caihua and Stuffing Cucumber, Achocha has a long history of cultivation in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. Young fruits are crisp and tender and can be eaten raw in salads, sliced into stir-fries or pickled. As the fruits mature they become hollow inside, making them particularly good for stuffing and baking. The mature black seeds should be removed before cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are vigorous, productive climbers and can quickly cover a trellis, fence or arbour under favourable conditions. The dense vines make an excellent edible screen and will continue producing large numbers of fruits over an extended harvest period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAchocha appreciates warm growing conditions but is also remarkably adaptable and can perform well in cooler conditions than many tropical cucurbits. Provide fertile, well-drained soil, regular moisture and a strong climbing structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 8 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Autumn to spring, avoiding the hottest and wettest periods\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring to early summer\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after the last frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 10–20 mm deep directly into warm soil or raise in pots for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace plants approximately 60–100 cm apart and provide a sturdy trellis, fence or other climbing support. The vigorous vines can grow several metres and appreciate plenty of room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest young fruits while tender for eating raw or cooking whole. For stuffing, allow fruits to grow larger and develop their characteristic hollow centre, then remove the mature seeds before filling and cooking. Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds ","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46764694569178,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/B1128D51-EAD7-40D4-B905-2AC8136D37D1.jpg?v=1765850557","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/cucumber-achocha-bolivian-giant-seeds","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}