LITTLE WINTER MELON SEEDS

Benincasa hispida

Also known as Wax Gourd, this smaller selection is suitable for growing vertically in small gardens.

Vigorous ornamental vines are covered with pretty yellow edible flowers and can set as many as sixteen fruits per plant. Young fruits are fuzzy and may be scrubbed of fuzz and prepared like zucchini. Ripe fruits are covered with a thick waxy coating that allows them to keep for several months after harvest. Useful for diverse culinary purposes including candy, pickles, soups and curries.

In my garden the tall vines scrambled quickly over a 12’ trellis. Healthy plants have yet to succumb to drought, squash bugs or powdery mildew, even in October. Highly recommended for diverse regions and curious gardeners that want to try something truly different.

Start early indoors and transplant after the last frost. Harvest waxy fruits just before the first hard freeze.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.