A plant and a container at the same time
Plant with slightly hairy leaves that give off a very characteristic aroma. Very resistant to pests and diseases. The flowers are white. The fruits can be used as a vegetable when they are harvested green or before the first frosts and are left to dry all winter. When mature, it is used as a container for liquids, floats or for decoration. Very often used to make water bottles in Africa and Asia.
Scientific Name: Lagenaria Siceraria
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 21C
Germination time in days: 5-15 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-120 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic
Sowing and cultivation: Sow in late spring when the soil temperature is at least 21C and frost danger has passed. Sow seeds ½-1” deep, 3-4’ apart.