Eden Seeds
Gourd Fig Leaf Seeds
$4.20
Unit price perCucurbita ficifolia
Fig Leaf Gourd, also known as Shark Fin Melon, is an unusual and remarkably vigorous perennial cucurbit producing large green and white mottled fruits that can reach the size of a watermelon. Its common name comes from the deeply lobed leaves, which resemble those of a fig tree.
Native to the highlands of the Americas, Cucurbita ficifolia has a long history of cultivation for food. The mature fruit contains pale, fibrous flesh that separates into fine strands when cooked, giving rise to the name Shark Fin Melon. It is used in soups and savoury dishes as a plant-based substitute for shark fin, particularly in parts of Asian cuisine.
The young fruits can be cooked as a vegetable, while mature flesh is also traditionally used for sweets, preserves and jams. Young shoots, leaves and flowers are edible when cooked, and the mature seeds can also be roasted and eaten.
Plants are extraordinarily vigorous and prolific, producing long scrambling vines that need considerable room or a very sturdy trellis. Fruits have a hard rind and excellent keeping qualities, allowing mature, undamaged fruit to be stored for an extended period after harvest.
Unlike most familiar pumpkins and squash, Fig Leaf Gourd can behave as a short-lived perennial where winters are mild and frost-free. Established plants can become considerably more productive in their second and third years. In colder climates it is grown as an annual and should be started early to provide the longest possible growing season.
Approximately 5 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer; established plants may overwinter in protected frost-free positions
Mild climates: Start in early spring and plant out after frost
Cold climates: Start indoors in early spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep into pots or directly into warm soil once frost risk has passed. When starting indoors, transplant carefully once conditions have warmed.
Allow at least 1–2 m between plants and provide substantial room for vines to spread. A strong fence, trellis or arbour can be used for support, although the developing fruits become very heavy and need adequate support if grown overhead.
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and maintain regular moisture during vigorous growth, flowering and fruit development.
Harvest young fruits for use as a fresh vegetable or allow them to mature fully for their characteristic fibrous flesh and long storage life.
An interesting choice for seed savers, Cucurbita ficifolia is a different species from most commonly grown pumpkins and squash and is much less likely to cross with them.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Gourd Fig Leaf Seeds
$4.20
Unit price per
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Cucurbita ficifolia
Fig Leaf Gourd, also known as Shark Fin Melon, is an unusual and remarkably vigorous perennial cucurbit producing large green and white mottled fruits that can reach the size of a watermelon. Its common name comes from the deeply lobed leaves, which resemble those of a fig tree.
Native to the highlands of the Americas, Cucurbita ficifolia has a long history of cultivation for food. The mature fruit contains pale, fibrous flesh that separates into fine strands when cooked, giving rise to the name Shark Fin Melon. It is used in soups and savoury dishes as a plant-based substitute for shark fin, particularly in parts of Asian cuisine.
The young fruits can be cooked as a vegetable, while mature flesh is also traditionally used for sweets, preserves and jams. Young shoots, leaves and flowers are edible when cooked, and the mature seeds can also be roasted and eaten.
Plants are extraordinarily vigorous and prolific, producing long scrambling vines that need considerable room or a very sturdy trellis. Fruits have a hard rind and excellent keeping qualities, allowing mature, undamaged fruit to be stored for an extended period after harvest.
Unlike most familiar pumpkins and squash, Fig Leaf Gourd can behave as a short-lived perennial where winters are mild and frost-free. Established plants can become considerably more productive in their second and third years. In colder climates it is grown as an annual and should be started early to provide the longest possible growing season.
Approximately 5 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer; established plants may overwinter in protected frost-free positions
Mild climates: Start in early spring and plant out after frost
Cold climates: Start indoors in early spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep into pots or directly into warm soil once frost risk has passed. When starting indoors, transplant carefully once conditions have warmed.
Allow at least 1–2 m between plants and provide substantial room for vines to spread. A strong fence, trellis or arbour can be used for support, although the developing fruits become very heavy and need adequate support if grown overhead.
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and maintain regular moisture during vigorous growth, flowering and fruit development.
Harvest young fruits for use as a fresh vegetable or allow them to mature fully for their characteristic fibrous flesh and long storage life.
An interesting choice for seed savers, Cucurbita ficifolia is a different species from most commonly grown pumpkins and squash and is much less likely to cross with them.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
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