Winter Melon.

En un coup d'œil

Niveau d'entretien

Moyenne

Type de plante

Annual vegetable

Lumière

Full sun

Lumière en intérieur

Soleil direct

Arrosage

Tous les 2 à 4 jours

Taille adulte

10 to 15 feet

Croissance

Rapide

Rusticité

USDA 9 à 11

Floraison

Mid to late summer

Entretien

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.

Arrosage

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Engrais

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

Taille

Trim back excessive side shoots to encourage better fruit production.

Rempotage

This plant is typically grown directly in the garden soil.

Sol

Well draining, fertile loam

pH du sol

6.0 to 7.0

Température

15 à 35°C

Humidité

60 à 90%

Résistance à la sécheresse

Faible

Durée de vie

Annual, typically one growing season.

Résistance aux chevreuils et lapins

Moyenne

Sécurité

Humains

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

Enfants

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

Allergènes de contact

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

Allergènes aéroportés

There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.

Comestibilité

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

Comment l'identifier

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

Hauteur

0,3 à 3m

Envergure

2 à 6m

Feuilles

green, deciduous

Fleurs

yellow, 5 à 10cm

Fruits

green, white, Autumn

Problèmes courants

• 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.

La cultiver

Multiplication

seed

Quand planter

Spring

Hivernage

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

En pot

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.

Bonnes associations

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

Espèces similaires

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

Science

Famille

Cucurbitaceae

Genre

Benincasa

Ordre

Cucurbitales

Classe

Magnoliopsida

Région d'origine

Tropical and subtropical Asia.

Préservation

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.

Intérêt pour la faune

nectar source

Pollinisateurs

abeilles, papillons

Utilisations

culinary, traditional medicine, ornamental

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

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.

D'où vient le nom

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

Bon à savoir

• 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.