Overview
Cucurbita foetidissima is a climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous annual biennial in the genus Cucurbita, part of the Cucurbitaceae family, with palmately lobed, prickly hairs foliage. Cucurbita foetidissima grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include edible fruits and ornamental displays.
About
Cucurbita foetidissima, commonly known as buffalo gourd or foetid wild pumpkin, is a climbing or trailing annual herbaceous plant in the Cucurbita genus. It features palmately lobed leaves covered with fine, prickly hairs and produces solitary, star-shaped golden-yellow flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites with well-drained, neutral loam soil. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is valued for its edible fruits and ornamental displays during spring and summer. Propagation is by seeds sown in spring, with roots benefiting from shade and fertile soil.
About the genus
Cucurbita is a genus, native to the Andes and Mesoamerica, of herbaceous fruits in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Five edible species are grown and consumed for their flesh and seeds. They are variously known as squash, pumpkin, or gourd, depending on species, variety, and local parlance.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cucurbita", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cucurbita
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cucurbita
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cucurbita foetidissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous
- Foliage
- Palmately lobed, prickly hairs
- Suggested uses
- Edible fruits, ornamental displays
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cucurbita foetidissima
- Propagation
- Seeds sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids, cucumber beetles
- Disease resistance
- Prone to powdery mildew, downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cucurbita foetidissima?
Cucurbita foetidissima prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cucurbita foetidissima need?
Cucurbita foetidissima grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cucurbita foetidissima hardy in the UK?
Cucurbita foetidissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cucurbita foetidissima?
Seeds sown in spring.
