Lagenaria sphaerica

Also Known As

Wild Bottle Gourd
Wild Calabash

Plant type

perennial, vine, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6'-12'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

10a-11

Lagenaria sphaerica plant details

Lagenaria sphaerica is a broadleaf deciduous perennial fruit / vegetable or vine with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by green and white fruit. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lagenaria sphaerica

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable or vine
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: evening garden, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lagenaria sphaerica

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Heads up rare fruit growers! From Southern Africa & Madagascar comes this close relative to the Calabash. From a woody perennial rootstock, this fast & vigorous climbing or trailing vine bears large white fragrant flowers that open in the evening. It’s dioecious (male & female flowers on separate plants) & bears highly decorative mottled fruit the size of a croquet ball. It’s bitter & inedible but keeps its shape & color for many years. Attractive palmate foliage, too. Cut vine back to ground in Fall. Tolerates light frosts.