Fig-leaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia)

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade

Watermoderate to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh

Fruitedible

Seedsedible

Common bean

Often grown together in 'Three Sisters' planting, where beans provide nitrogen.

Corn Maize

Often grown together in 'Three Sisters' planting, where corn provides a trellis for the gourd.

JFMAMJJASOND

emergenceSeeds germinate when soil temperatures are consistently warm.

floweringFlowering typically begins about two months after emergence and continues for several weeks.

fruitingFruits begin to set after flowering and mature over a long period.

harvestHarvest can begin when fruits reach maturity and continue as more ripen.

senescencePlants begin to decline and die back with the first autumn frosts.

Drainagewell-drained

Nitrogen fixingNo

MycorrhizalYes

Soil textureloam, sandy loam

Organic matterMedium

Compaction toleranceLow

Methodsseed

Difficulty2 / 5

Establishes in~1 yr

Self-seedingModerate

Attractsbees

Can host pestssquash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids

Can host diseasespowdery mildew