Sicilian Serpent Gourd - Cucuzza

Back again - Lagenaria siceraria - aka: Serpente di Sicilia, Cucuzza. These were the talk of the farm last season. We grew them on our arbour, where the fruit dangled overhead. Picked young they're eaten just like zucchini; we feasted on them all through August. Grown on the ground, their huge vines sprawl in every direction, and the fruit grow twisty. Interestingly the cucumber beetles that effect other cucurbits aren't even interested in them. They seem much hardier than the classic squash species. 

When the fruit reach full woody maturity they can be made into fall decorations, stylish accessories or didgeridoos (I’ve tried it!). Their large white flowers open in the evening, and in warmer climates are pollinated by moths. I like to pick male flowers and hand pollinate the females as part of my evening rounds in the garden, it isn't 100% needed but it helps increase fruiting. Limited supply - 10 seeds

Grown by Annapolis Seeds