The Lollipop climber is a remarkable, exotic-looking, fast-growing climbing plant from the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), which also includes familiar crops such as cucumber, courgette, pumpkin and squash. The plant is also known as red-striped cucumber. This name refers to its striking fruits, which are initially green with light longitudinal stripes and turn bright red to orange-red as they ripen. The plant is particularly decorative in autumn, when the fruits begin to change colour, and around the Christmas period. The Lollipop climber is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. In these warm regions, the plant grows as a perennial climber, whereas in the Dutch climate it is not hardy and is therefore grown as an annual. Under suitable tropical conditions, the climbing stems can reach a length of around 6 metres; when grown in the Netherlands, the plant generally reaches a length of approximately 2 to 4 metres. The plant grows rapidly and produces thin, branched stems with tendrils that allow it to climb easily along a trellis, mesh, wire or other support. The leaves are distinctly palmately lobed, usually with three to five lobes, and can grow to approximately 10 to 15 cm wide. Flowering generally takes place in summer, from approximately June till September, depending on temperature and growing conditions. The flowers are small and yellowish to yellow-green. The Lollipop climber is monoecious, meaning that both male and female flowers occur on the same plant.
After flowering, small fruits develop, usually hanging in clusters of three to six. They are approximately the size of a grape to a small olive and are initially dark green with striking light green to white longitudinal stripes. As they ripen, they turn a brilliant red to orange-red. This colour change is what gives the plant much of its ornamental value. The combination of the green, lobed foliage with the striped green and later red fruits makes the Lollipop climber particularly suitable for the autumn garden. The fruits remain decorative for quite some time and can be used in autumn decorations, dried flower arrangements and Christmas displays.
Although the Lollipop climber belongs to the same plant family as several edible crops, caution is advised regarding culinary use. In some tropical regions, young leaves, young shoots and young fruits of Diplocyclos palmatus are traditionally used as vegetables. However, this does not mean that plants and fruits grown as ornamental plants in the Netherlands are automatically suitable for consumption. In the Dutch seed trade, the Lollipop climber is sold as an ornamental cucumber, and the fruits are considered inedible. Furthermore, according to some sources, ripe fruits may contain potentially harmful substances. Culinary use also varies depending on the country, plant part and method of preparation. In the Netherlands, the Lollipop climber is an ornamental plant with inedible fruits. The main appeal of this unusual climber lies in its graceful growth, small yellow-green flowers and, above all, its striking fruits, which change from striped green to bright red during the season. The Lollipop climber flowers from June till September. Non hardy perennial. Height: 200 - 400 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 10 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 25 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Outdoor planting: late May
Outdoor planting in greenhouse: late April
Planting distance: 30 - 40 cm
Distance between the rows: 50 - 75 cm
Planting position: very sunny - sheltered (greenhouse)
Flowering period: June - September
Harvesting period: August - October
Sow indoors from March till May. Fill separate pots with an airy, moisture-retentive growing medium. Moisten the growing medium evenly beforehand, but do not make it too wet. Sow the seeds approximately 1 to 1½ cm deep. Preferably sow one seed per pot, so that the young roots are disturbed as little as possible later on. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of growing medium and gently firm it down. Place the pots in a warm location. A germination temperature of approximately 20 - 25 °C is ideal. Temperatures below 20 °C are not recommended. Keep the growing medium evenly moist during germination, but never allow it to remain constantly waterlogged. Keep the temperature as constant as possible and, in particular, do not allow it to drop at night. The seeds usually germinate within 10 - 21 days.
As soon as the first seedlings appear, place the pots in a very bright and warm location, but not on a windowsill. Sufficient light prevents the young plants from becoming long and weak. Allow the young plants to continue growing. Water regularly and avoid both drying out and prolonged waterlogging. Once the plants begin to grow actively, you can carefully start applying a weak liquid plant fertiliser.
From the beginning of May, the plants should be gradually hardened off before being moved outdoors or into the greenhouse. Place the young plants outdoors during the day for approximately 10 - 14 days, but keep them out of strong sunlight at first. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and wind, and bring them indoors again on cold nights.
Plant outdoors after the last frost, preferably from late May onwards, when night-time temperatures have risen sufficiently. Choose a sheltered, sunny and warm location. Provide support immediately. When planting out, install a sturdy trellis, mesh or wire support. The Lollipop climber produces long tendrils and can easily reach 200 - 400 cm in length. A sturdy support prevents the tendrils from trailing along the ground. Provide sufficient water. The Lollipop climber needs regular watering, especially during warm and dry periods. Keep the soil evenly moist while ensuring good drainage. Feed the plants regularly during the growing season with a suitable general-purpose fertiliser. Nutrient-rich soil promotes vigorous growth and supports the formation of flowers and fruits. Give the plant as much warmth and sunlight as possible. A sheltered position against a warm wall is particularly suitable. In the Netherlands, the Lollipop climber can also be grown very successfully in an unheated greenhouse. A warm, sunny position increases the chance of vigorous growth and good fruit production.
