Common Name: Squash Melon

General Information

Praecitrullus fistulosus is a vigorous annual plant sending out long stems that either sprawl along the ground or climb into other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils.
The plant is cultivated, mainly in India, for its edible fruit[]. It is the most popular summer vegetable in northern India and is often sold in local markets[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Indian subcontinent.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual Climber
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Squash melon is mainly cultivated in the tropical lowlands, at elevations from sea-level up to approximately 1,000 metres[]. It likes warm, sunny conditions of 25 - 30°c in the daytime and 18°c or more during the night. It performs less well in cooler and humid areas[].
Prefers an organic-rich sandy loam and a very sunny position[, , , ]. Prefers light or sandy soils where its roots can penetrate easily[]. Moderately fertile to fertile soil is required for early closure of the vegetative cover[].
The fruits are ready to harvest in 13 - 15 weeks from sowing, depending on temperature and growing conditions[].
Up to 4 fruits of about 500g each can be harvested per plant. In India, an average yield of 10 tonnes per hectare is reported[].
There are some named varieties[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked. The young fruit is cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ]. It can also be pickled, candied or made into preserves[]. The fruit should be harvested when the skin is still soft enough to be easily cut with a knife, and the seeds have not hardened[]. There are two forms of this species, one with light green fruit and the other with dark green fruit. The former is generally preferred[]. The fruit is about 6 - 12cm in diameter[, ].

Seed - roasted[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - can be sown in situ or into containers for planting out later[]. Germination takes place within 7 days[]. If using containers, either put 2 - 3 seeds in each pot and thin to the best plant, or prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on fast and plant them out when about 10 - 14cm tall[].

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