Snake Gourd (long)

£2.50

A relative of cucumbers, Long Snake Gourd certainly lives up to its name. Best harvested when 140cm long, they should be green and firm and tender.

Description

Trichosanthes cucumerina

A relative of cucumbers and squashes, Long Snake Gourd certainly lives up to its name. Its thin fruit can grow to extraordinary lengths and are best harvested when they are about 100 to 140cm long. At this size, they should be green and firm, and tender enough to make delicious additions to curries, soups and stews.

The sprawling, viny plants thrive on heat and are well-adapted to the protected environment of a tunnel or greenhouse. When the vines begin elongating, be sure to train them up canes or strings to lift them off the ground. And because the plants are so vigorous, they should be grown only in larger structures, where there is enough room for them to stretch out without smothering other vegetables growing inside.

Approximate number of seeds per pack: 8

 

Long Snake Gourd hanging from its vines
Three Long Snake Gourd hanging from their vines.

 

 

 

 

Additional information

More information

Full-size fruit can grow at least 155cm long. As they mature and become inedible, the flesh softens and becomes mushy, while the surface gradually turns bright orange. A red, slippery coating also develops around each seed.
Network of strings or wires for vines to run along.