Shark Fin Melon

Scientific Name: Cucurbita ficifolia

Plant type

vine, annual / biennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 36"
W: 24"

planting zones

9b-10b

Shark Fin Melon plant details

Shark Fin Melon is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial fruit / vegetable or vine with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Shark Fin Melon

Plant type: annual / biennial fruit / vegetable or vine
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 36 IN tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: edible

GROWING CONDITIONS for Shark Fin Melon

USDA Zones: 9b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tough, dynamic & all kinds of delicious! Though scarcely found commercially, this hardy & fast growing melon has been around the world with different uses in each region. The leaves, shoots & flowers are edible, the seeds highly nutritious & delicious & the flesh is used as an ethically sound substitute for shark fin in soups. It can be cooked like Summer squash when the fruits are immature & is a sweet confection when ripe, like a spaghetti-squash with sweet and mild coconut flavor. In Asia, this fruit is popular with diabetics for its effects on insulin levels, in Chile they make it into marmalade & in Africa they use it to make an alcoholic drink. One plant can produce over 50 fruits & each fruit can weigh up to 13 lbs so give it room! I, for one, will be torturing one in a big, big pot, because it’s rumored to be a MASSIVE beast. Wish me luck.