Overview

Telfairia occidentalis is a plant with a climbing habit in the genus Telfairia, part of the Cucurbitaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Telfairia occidentalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Telfairia occidentalis, commonly known as krobonko, is a climbing plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is deciduous and thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for cultivation in conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, it is hardy to H1b and is best propagated by seed or division. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.

About the genus

Telfairia is a small genus of flowering plants in the squash family which are native to Africa. They include Telfairia occidentalis, the fluted pumpkin, which is an important vegetable in Nigeria and other African nations. It is also known as the oyster nut, a common name it shares with its relative Telfairia pedata.

Wikipedia contributors, "Telfairia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Telfairia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Telfairia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Telfairia occidentalis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Telfairia occidentalis

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

Susceptible to rhizome rot

Frequently asked questions