Cucumber (Caigua)

Plant family

Curcurbits (Cucurbitaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant 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 up to temperatures just above 0°C. Germination after 1-2 weeks at an optimum temperature of 24°C. Harvest the first fruits early for a rich harvest, the fruits can be harvested in any size. If harvested late, remove the hard seeds before eating. Protected location. 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.