Ecballium elaterium

Also Known As

Squirting Cucumber

Plant type

perennial, vine

size

H: 10"-12"
W: 32"-40"

planting zones

9a-11

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Ecballium elaterium plant details

Ecballium elaterium is a broadleaf deciduous perennial vine with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ecballium elaterium

Plant type: perennial vine
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 32 IN - 40 IN - wide, 10 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: self-sowing, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ecballium elaterium

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Wanna have some fun with an unwary visitor? Or delight the kids? “Squirting Cucumber" provides excellent garden entertainment! The small, 2” cucumbers fill with slimy juice as they ripen & the pressure eventually causes the cucumber to burst off its stalk and explosively shoot up to 6 yards away - leaving a trail of seeds along the way. Just gently shake the vine when the cukes are fat & ready, and KABOOM! Ecballium elaterium is a trailing, bushy perennial with yellow, funnel-shaped flowers and palm-like, bristly, watermelon-scented leaves. Rich soil and regular water is best. It can be grown in the garden or ½ barrel. Don’t eat the cucumbers, as the juice is a cathartic. Remove any unwanted seedlings.