Calabash Sicilian Snake is a very light, very distinctive, twisted calabash variety that has many names. It is also known as Cucuzzi Squash, Gagootz and Serpent Of Sicily. It is a calabash of the so-called ‘Gourd’ type. This is one of the edible calabashes. These distinctive, unique, snake-like, twisted, ivory-white fruits have a creamy white interior. This calabash can grow to a length of 150 - 200 centimetres, but the fruits are most palatable when they are 30 - 60 cm long.
Calabashes contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11 and C, as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc. Calabashes are also rich in Omega 3 and low in fat, making them a particularly healthy vegetable. Calabash is also a very versatile vegetable; it can be boiled, roasted and fried. Try adding calabash to soups, pasta sauces, oven bakes, stir-fries and baked goods. It tastes delicious with bacon, tomato, eggs, cheese, mushrooms and pasta. This unusual-looking calabash variety can also be used as a vegetable on its own. It can also be eaten and prepared as a substitute for courgette in various recipes. Non hardy annual. Height: 150 - 200 cm.
Indoor sowing: April - May
Outdoor sowing: June - July
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 25 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Planting distance 100 - 125 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered against the wind
Harvesting period: August - October
Sow indoors from mid-April in a propagator or in a heated greenhouse. The temperature should be at least 20 °C, warmer will ensure better germination. It is important that the temperature is as constant as possible, as this ensures good germination. Use separate seed pots that are not too small (approx. 8 cm Ø). Put 1 seed per pot 1½ cm deep laterally in sowing soil and cover. After sowing and during germination, keep the soil well moist, but not too wet to prevent rotting. As soon as there is no more chance of night frost, gradually allow the young seedlings to get used to the outside temperature before putting them in the open ground. Harden them off from early May by putting the young plants outside during the day for 7 - 10 days. Make sure there is no more chance of night frost before putting the plants outside permanently. Calebashes are climbing plants that need a lot of space and also a very sturdy support.
Outdoor sowing can be done from June onwards when the weather gets warmer. A sunny spot with shelter from the wind and good drainage is necessary. Sow 3 seeds per hole. Keep at least 100-125 cm of space around each hole. Thin the seedlings to 1 strong seedling per hole. To grow well and produce lots of fruit, gourds need extra fertiliser. For example, liquid tomato fertiliser, applied every other week as soon as the fruit starts to grow. Careful weeding is important for air circulation. Water the soil sufficiently and not the plants to prevent them from rotting. Provide sturdy support. This plant is self-pollinating, but it can sometimes be useful to pollinate the fruits yourself. The plants develop both male and female flowers. The female flowers can be recognised by the small false fruit behind the flower.
This edible gourd can be harvested once the fruits are 30 cm long. Do not allow the fruits to grow longer than 60 cm if you want to eat them. Carefully cut the fruits from the plant with a sharp knife so as not to damage the plant. The fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 week.
