Cucurbita foetidissima
TAXONOMY
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusCucurbita
Zone8
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Cucurbita foetidissima, commonly known as buffalo gourd or fetid gourd, is a perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its large, tuberous roots and foul-smelling leaves. The plant thrives in arid and semi-arid environments and is well-adapted to drought conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Buffalo Gourd
Cucumis Foetidissimus
Cucumis Perennis
Ozodycus Perennis
Stinking Gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima var. foetidissima
Cucurbita perennis
Pepo foetidissima
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Dry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity40%
GDD1,800
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Buffalo gourd requires full sun and thrives in hot, dry climates. It prefers moderate temperatures and low humidity. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions but benefits from occasional fertilization.Harvest
Cucurbita foetidissima, commonly known as buffalo gourd, is typically harvested in the late summer to early fall when the fruits are fully mature and the vines begin to die back. The tubers can be harvested by carefully digging around the plant to avoid damaging them. It is important to handle the tubers gently to prevent bruising. The fruits should be harvested when they are firm and have reached their full size. After harvesting, the tubers should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds can also be harvested from the mature fruits, cleaned, and dried for future planting.Soil
Buffalo gourd prefers sandy, well-draining soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage. Avoid waterlogged conditions as the plant is highly drought-tolerant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant once during the growing season to promote healthy growth and tuber development.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for buffalo gourd as it is typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in a container, repot the plant every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.Propagation
Buffalo gourd can be propagated by seeds or tuber division. Sow seeds in the spring after the last frost, or divide tubers during the plant's dormant period. Ensure the soil is well-draining and keep the newly planted seeds or tubers in a warm, sunny location.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for buffalo gourd to control its growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Prune the plant during its dormant period or early in the growing season to encourage healthy growth.Toxicity
Buffalo gourd is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, the plant's leaves and fruits have a strong, unpleasant odor that may deter animals from consuming them.Additional
Buffalo gourd is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh conditions. It is often used for erosion control and as a ground cover in arid regions. The plant's tubers can store water, making it highly drought-resistant.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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