- Prolific perennial vine (annual in cold climates)
- Large melon-sized fruit
- Edible seeds
Description
'Shark Fin Melon' seeds
Cucurbita ficifolia
- Prolific perennial vine (annual in cold climates)
- Large melon-sized fruit
- Edible seeds
A prolific vine originating in South America that can be grown as a perennial in warm climates (or as an annual in cold climates). The green leaves are similar in shape to a fig. Vines each produce numerous fruit the size of a watermelon with green and white striped skin. The tender flesh is creamy white with black seeds. Resistant to powdery mildew.
The flesh has a neutral flavour and can be used in soups, stews and stir fries, as a substitute for zucchini, or in smoothies and desserts. It is commonly used as a subtitute for shark's fin in shark fin soup. Seeds can be roasted and eaten in a similar way to pepitas. Fruit stores well.
Also known as 'Fig Leaf Gourd', 'zambo', 'chilacayote', 'black-seed squash', 'alcoyta' and 'Malabar gourd'.
Culinary use
Seeds per gram: 6
Product code: B8-20
Best Months to Sow
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Cool | ||||||||||||
| Temperate | ||||||||||||
| Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
| Tropical | ||||||||||||
| Arid |
Quick Sowing Guide
| Method | Sow direct or raise seedlings |
|---|---|
| Sowing Depth | 15mm |
| Season | Spring and early summer (or after frost) |
| Germination | 7-14 days @ 22-28°C |
| Hardiness / Life Cycle | Frost Tender Perennial (grown as an annual in cool climates) |
| Row Spacing | 150cm |
| Plant Spacing | 100cm |
| Position | Full sun, moist well drained soil |
| Days Until Maturity | 120 days |
*Notes: Grow up a strong trellis. Prune vines if required to contain growth. If growing as a perennial cut vines back after fruit is harvested.
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How To Grow
Shipping
We deliver Australia wide.
All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Knoxfield, Victoria, Australia.
We do not deliver overseas.
Shipping cost is calculated using all the items in your shopping cart and your delivery postcode. The table below outlines the delivery options and costs.
Order dispatch time is currently 1-3 business days plus delivery time.
Please note we are unable to guarantee specific delivery dates or delivery timeframes, all delivery times are estimates only.
| Order contains: | Delivery options: | Delivery cost per order | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS, SA, NT | WA | ||
| Small seed packets ONLY - | Economy Delivery | $3.00 or FREE on orders over $25 | $5 |
| Parcel Delivery | Capped rate of $8.99 | ||
| Express Delivery | $15.00 | ||
|
BULK seed, garden supplies, tools, or accessories - |
Parcel Delivery |
Capped rate of $8.99 |
|
|
Express Delivery |
Starting from $15.00 (Calculated by weight) |
||
| Live Plants - | Live plants | Capped rate of $10.00 | |
*All orders sent to Western Australia are subject to mandatory inspection and fees by Quarantine WA. These fees are included in all shipping costs above.
**We will replace all orders that are lost or damaged in transit however we will not replace or refund orders simply because they were delivered later than estimated. Full details here.
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