{"product_id":"squash-winter-perennial-squash-chilacayote-537","title":"Squash Winter Perennial Squash Chilacayote Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCucurbita ficifolia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChilacayote is an unusual long-lived squash originating in the highlands of Central America. A vigorous, fast-growing trailing vine, it is often described as the perennial squash because plants can persist for several years in frost-free conditions. Unlike most squash, it thrives in relatively cool conditions and can produce heavily through winter and spring in suitable climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants produce numerous large, watermelon-like fruits with sweet white flesh. Immature fruits can be eaten raw or cooked like zucchini, while the flowers, young leaves and tender shoots are also eaten as vegetables. Mature fruit is traditionally used for preserves, jams and confectionery, particularly the distinctive candied preparations found throughout Mexico and Central America. The protein-rich seeds are also edible and nutritious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExceptionally vigorous, hardy and disease resistant, Chilacayote produces mature fruits that can store for many months. \u003cem\u003eCucurbita ficifolia\u003c\/em\u003e is genetically distinct from the common cultivated squash species and does not readily cross with other garden squash, making it particularly useful for seed savers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 6 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: February–August\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: February–September\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: August–March\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow directly approximately 2–3 cm deep or raise seedlings for transplanting. Germination can take approximately 15–30 days. Allow plenty of room for the vigorous trailing vines, which can cover a substantial area or be trained over a strong trellis or structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep adequately watered during establishment and fruit development. Harvest young fruits for zucchini-style use or allow them to mature fully on the vine for storage, seed or preserves.\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":46649676595418,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Squash_Chilacayote.jpg?v=1785208239","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/squash-winter-perennial-squash-chilacayote-537","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}