Arabian cucumber or Hedgehog Gourd / Cucumis dipsaceus
An annual herbaceous plant with creeping shoots 1-2 m long, with rather large, rough, entire or shallowly lobed leaves with a deep heart-shaped base. Flowers are yellow, bell-shaped, 1-2 cm in diameter. The fruits are very decorative, ellipsoid, light green in color, up to 5-7 cm long, covered with thick bristles.
Leaves up to 10 cm in diameter, broadly ovate to reniform-ovate, entire or less often finely three-lobed, with a deeply heart-shaped base, with a blunt apex, roughly pubescent.
Unripe fruits are eaten, after cutting off the bristles. When the fruits reach full maturity, they turn yellow and are not suitable for food, as they become hard and bitter. Young leaves and shoots are also eaten. In tropical countries, the whole plant is used medicinally (including the roots), and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity of various parts of the plant has been scientifically proven.
Blooms in July-August. Thermophilic.
During the season, 4-5 top dressings are carried out, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers.
Propagated by seeds. Sowed at the end of April for seedlings in separate cups. Close up the seeds in the soil mixture to a depth of 0.5 cm.
No questions about this product, be the first and ask your question.