Winter Melon.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Media

Tipo de planta

Annual vegetable

Luz

Full sun

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 2 a 4 días

Tamaño adulto

10 to 15 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Rápido

Rusticidad

USDA 9 a 11

Floración

Mid to late summer

Cuidados

Provide a sturdy trellis for the heavy fruits to climb and develop properly. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew on the leaves during humid weather. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Riego

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Abonado

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks once flowering begins.

Poda

Trim back excessive side shoots to encourage better fruit production.

Trasplante

This plant is typically grown directly in the garden soil.

Suelo

Well draining, fertile loam

pH del suelo

6.0 to 7.0

Temperatura

15 a 35°C

Humedad

60 a 90%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Baja

Longevidad

Annual, typically one growing season.

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

The plant is non-toxic and widely used in culinary applications.

Niños

The prickly hairs on the stems can scratch delicate skin, so keep children away from the vines.

Alérgenos por contacto

The stems and leaves are covered in stiff, prickly hairs that can cause skin irritation upon contact.

Alérgenos en el aire

There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.

Comestibilidad

The fruit is widely consumed cooked, but ensure it is harvested at the proper maturity for the best texture.

Cómo identificarla

• Large, fuzzy, heart shaped leaves
• Yellow, five petaled flowers
• Large, oblong, waxy green fruit
• White, crisp flesh inside
• Vigorous, climbing vine habit

Altura

0,3 a 3m

Anchura

2 a 6m

Hojas

green, deciduous

Flores

yellow, 5 a 10cm

Frutos

green, white, Autumn

Problemas frecuentes

• Powdery mildew — A fungal infection that appears as white dusty patches on the leaves.
• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed

Cuándo plantar

Spring

Cuidados en invierno

This plant is a frost sensitive annual that will die back completely once temperatures drop.

En maceta

It requires a very large container of at least 40 liters to support its vigorous growth.

Plant near tall, sturdy crops that can support the heavy weight of the developing fruit.

Buenas compañeras

• Maíz — Corn provides a sturdy structure for the vines to climb.
• Capuchina Común — Nasturtiums act as a ground cover to suppress weeds around the base.

Especies parecidas

• pepino — Both are members of the same family and share similar growth habits.
• Courgette — They share similar requirements for space and nutrient rich soil.

Ciencia

Familia

Cucurbitaceae

Género

Benincasa

Orden

Cucurbitales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Tropical and subtropical Asia.

Conservación

This species is widely cultivated and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, humid environments where it can climb over other vegetation to reach sunlight.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas

Usos

culinary, traditional medicine, ornamental

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a vigorous climber and benefits greatly from a strong trellis.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is possible in a very large container, but it prefers being in the ground.

De dónde viene el nombre

The specific epithet hispida refers to the bristly hairs covering the plant, while the common name wax gourd describes its unique waxy skin.

Bueno saberlo

• The fruit is often called winter melon because it can be stored through the winter.
• It is a staple ingredient in many Asian soups and stir fries.
• The waxy bloom on the skin is a natural defense against moisture loss.