Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) , seeds from Marie-Victorin
The Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is an original and playful annual plant, ideal for adding a touch of light and airy greenery to gardens. Vigorous and easy to grow, this climber produces inedible spiky fruits, which intrigue young and old, and attracts many pollinating insects thanks to its nectar. Perfect for dressing fences, trellises and pergolas, it blends harmoniously with other climbing plants in natural or rustic landscaping.
Spread : up to 2 meters
Plant height : 2 to 4 meters
Quantity per pack : 3 seeds
Companion plants : nasturtiums, climbing beans, honeysuckle
Enemy plants : none known
Hardiness zone : annual
Exposure : sun, partial shade
Moisture : fresh, well-drained soil
Sowing instructions : Soak the seeds for 24 hours in boiled (then cooled) water for 5 minutes. Mix the seeds with an equal volume of moist sand or vermiculite, then place them in an airtight plastic bag. Leave them in the refrigerator for at least 90 days (cold stratification). Then sow directly in the desired location as soon as the temperature becomes mild or in the fall for natural germination in the spring.
The wild cucumber is a versatile and aesthetic plant, perfect for creating a green screen or for enriching outdoor spaces with a spontaneous and fun touch. In addition to its beauty, it helps to feed and shelter pollinators, thus promoting biodiversity in the garden.
