The cyclanthera, a plant to discover
This climbing annual plant, whose scientific name is “cyclanthera pedata”, produces lianas that can reach 3 to 5 meters long and provided with tendrils that allow them to cling to a support and climb it as they develop. The cyclanthera has the advantage of aesthetically and quickly covering its support, whether it is a wall, a pergola, an arbor, etc.
On the other hand, if you grow it in your vegetable garden, you will need to provide a fence, a trellis, etc. to help him climb. It draws its aesthetics from its luxuriant foliage with long leaves which do not fail to evoke those of cannabis, because like the latter they are cut right down to their middle into several oval-shaped lobes with toothed edges.
add to that that between June and September, the plant produces small, deliciously fragrant greenish flowers which can either be grouped in panicles, these are the male flowers, or solitary, the female flowers. This mix makes it possible to obtain fruits once pollination has been carried out by insects. It is then possible to harvest between 2 and 8 kg per plant between August and December.
The fruit
As we have seen, the fruits of the cyclanthera develop after pollination of the flowers. These fruits, sometimes called “cyclanther squash” or “Andean cucumber”, are horn-shaped and can measure between 4 and 15 cm long and have an epidermis pale green which is smooth at first, then becomes covered with soft thorns.
The cyclanthera squash has a flavor that evokes cucumber or pickle with a note of fresh bean. This fruit is said to have properties that allow it to help reduce cholesterol in the blood and act as a hypotensive agent. What makes the cyclanthera unique is that when its fruits reach maturity, they burst and eject a multitude of black seeds which are projected several meters and thus reseed naturally.
Whether you grow cyclanthera in your ornamental garden or in your vegetable garden, it is therefore recommended to harvest the fruits before they burst in order to limit the spread and invasion.
Cultivation of the cyclanthera
Practical information for sowing cyclanthera
Here is some practical information that will serve as a guide:
- Suitable period for sowing: In the open ground, when all risk of frost has passed. Otherwise, you can sow in pots, in a warm place, from April.
- Cold transition before sowing: Not necessary
- Soaking : It is recommended to soak the seeds beforehand, but it is not obligatory
- Distance : If you grow several in your vegetable garden, keep a distance of 1.50 meters between the rows and 1.50 meters between the plants.
- Depth : Bury the seed 2 cm deep.
- Rising time : 8 days
- Germination temperature : Between 15 and 20°C.
Growing conditions
Adapted to cultivation in all climates of France, your cyclanthera will be twining, luxuriant and productive if the following conditions are met:
- It needs deep, humus-rich soil with a neutral pH.. The soil must also be draining.
- Choose a sunny location, but it can be satisfied with a location in partial shade.
- She appreciates the warmth, does not like coolness and does not survive when temperatures are below 2°C.
Growing cyclanthers
Growing cyclanthera is quite simple, as it is a plant that requires little maintenance.
Bring
Before sowing or planting, it is recommended to add compost to meet its need for rich soil.
Sowing
Sowing can be done from April to May, in the ground or under cover, whether in a bucket or a box.
- Sowing in pots or boxes : Simply sink the seeds 2 cm deep into a suitable substrate, then water. Afterwards, you will need to ensure that you regularly moisten the substrate.
- Sowing in open ground : You can do it from mid-May to June when the heat has set in. To do this, place two or three seeds in a hole. After emergence, you can thin out your young plants in order to keep only the most vigorous ones, both in the ground and under cover.
Planting
If you have sown in pots and under cover, as soon as the risk of frost has passed and your plants are sufficiently developed, you can plant them in the ground. Make sure they have a support to which they can cling with their tendrils.
Interview
As we have seen, the cyclanthera requires little maintenance. Here’s what it boils down to:
- It is not obligatory, but it is recommended to install mulch at the base of your plant in order to limit the development of weeds and preserve the freshness of the soil.
- Regular watering helps ensure the proper development of the plant.
- Harvest the fruit while it is still young. It takes between 90 and 120 days after sowing. You can store them in the vegetable drawer if you want to eat them within a week. For longer storage, it is recommended to freeze them or, as with pickles, to put them in vinegar.