Lagenaria

Family. Cucurbitaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Lagenaria is a large, perennial or annual vine. The stems are powerful, covered with hairs, and have tendrils to cling to support. The leaves are large - up to 50 cm in diameter, round or oval, dissected, green, covered with sparse pubescence. When damaged, leaves emit a rather unpleasant odor. The flowers are attractive, large - up to 10 cm in diameter, funnel-shaped, white, male and female. The fruits are light green, bottle-shaped, from 10 to 90 cm long, depending on the specific species.

Height. The stems of the plant can reach a length of 18 m.

Planting and care

Reproduction

Seeds that germinate easily within 7 - 10 days. 

Growing at home

Lagenaria grows quickly and its long stems require support. The plant will eventually take on impressive dimensions and will require a lot of space to grow. When the shoots reach a length of about 5 m, they are pruned to form lateral branches.

Flowering time 

Lagenaria grows quickly and begins to bloom within 2 months after sowing the seeds.

Diseases and pests 

Stems and leaves rot if the air humidity is too high. Powdery mildew, mosaic virus.

Conditions - temperature

Regular room temperature is suitable for growing lagenaria all year round.

Lighting

A well-lit place with shade from the scorching rays of the sun during the daytime. 

Soil

Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a fairly high content of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus, pH from 6.5 to 7.5.

Fertilizer

From spring to autumn, feed with liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks. Loves organic fertilizers. 

Watering 

Regular watering contributes to the rapid development of the plant. Adult specimens are surprisingly drought tolerant.

Spraying 

It needs spraying in the warm season, which should be carried out in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before evening. 

Transfer 

Lagenaria is grown as an annual plant and does not require replanting.

Purpose

Vertical gardening of loggias, balconies and terraces. 

Note

Young fruits can be eaten - they taste like pumpkin or zucchini. Large, mature fruits taste bitter, but they can be varnished and will serve as interior decoration for a long time. In the plant's homeland, lagenaria fruits are used as vessels for storing liquids.