Chilacayote Fig-Leaf Gourd Seeds | Shark Fin Squash

Grow Chilacayote, also called fig-leaf gourd or shark fin squash, for versatile fruit with pale flesh that separates into strands when cooked. This Cucurbita ficifolia squash is used in savory soups and traditional sweets such as dulce de chilacayote. Its fig-shaped leaves and cream-white fruits with green markings bring a distinctive look to a roomy garden.

Seed details

• Botanical name: Cucurbita ficifolia
• Common names: Chilacayote, fig-leaf gourd, shark fin squash, Malabar gourd
• Growth: Spreading or climbing vine
• Season: Grow during warm weather
• Available quantities: 10 or 25 seeds
• Product: Seeds for planting, not food

Planting and care

Sow in late spring or early summer in a warm, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. For hill planting, form mounds about 1 foot across and 3–4 inches high, spaced 4–6 feet apart, and sow 1–2 seeds per mound. Keep soil evenly moist and give the vines room to spread. If training vertically, provide sturdy support suitable for the vines and developing fruit.

Harvest and kitchen uses

Harvest young fruit while the rind is still soft for vegetable dishes, including sautéing or stuffing. Mature fruit develops a tough rind and requires careful cutting. Cook its flesh for soups, sweet preserves, or traditional confections, enjoying the unusual strand-like texture. Harvest timing varies with climate and growing conditions.

Storage and seed safety

Mature, sound fruit can be cured and stored; storage life depends on maturity and conditions. Check stored fruit regularly rather than relying on multi-year storage claims. The supplied seed is for planting only. The existing listing identifies treated seed: do not eat it or use it as animal feed, and follow all treatment-label handling instructions.