Cucumber Seeds - Hedgehog - Teasel gourd

Hedgehog Cucumber is a creeping vine with green leaves, bell-shaped flowers, and spiny fruit with cream-colored seeds. Versatile, nutritious fruit native to Ethiopia, now widespread in tropics. Enjoy raw or as a supplement for maximum antioxidants. Elegant vines grow up to 8-10 feet long on a trellis. Note: the fruit becomes bitter when fully ripe and yellow.

Found in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Southern Egypt) and India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Flowering: November-February.

Culinary Tips: Teasel gourd can be used in cooking and traditional Ayurvedic remedies for cough and allergies, and can be prepared in a variety of ways such as frying, roasting, baking, and curries. They can also be enjoyed in salads or as fritters.

Medicinal uses:  Leaves and roots are pounded and used as a poultice to treat wounds. The juice from the fruits is used as an antidote for poisoning, but it has to be supplemented by drinking fresh milk.

growing : Sow Teasel seeds indoors or outdoors. Use compost and prepare soil for optimal growth. Keep soil moist until germination and thin seedlings. Gradually harden off plants before transplanting outside and water regularly. Deadhead stems and grow in full sun or partial shade.