Chilacayote, also called the fig-leaf gourd, is a climbing annual or perennial vine capable of reaching several meters in length. In frost-free climates, it can survive for multiple years, producing abundant fruit season after season. The fruits are oblong, weighing up to 10–15 pounds each, with a hard rind that allows for exceptionally long storage—sometimes for several years if kept dry. Each plant can produce up to 50 fruits, making it highly productive for gardeners and farmers alike.
This plant is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers grow on the same vine, so only a single plant is needed to produce fruit. Flowers are yellow to orange and pollinated by insects, especially bees. Learn more on Wikipedia.
Frost Sensitivity ❄️: Not frost-hardy; grow as an annual in temperate climates
Sunlight 🌞: Full sun exposure ensures optimal fruit development
Watering 💧: Requires regular watering
Space 📏: Needs room to climb or can trail along the ground
Disease Resistance 🛡️: More tolerant to disease than many common melons, sometimes used as rootstock
Seeds 🌱: Propagate exclusively by seeds
Layering & Self-Multiplying 🔄: Vine tendrils can root if anchored in soil, producing new plants naturally. This self-propagating ability ensures continuous yield with minimal effort.
More info on cultivation can be found at Exotic Seeds Store
Culinary 🍴:
Immature fruits: cooked as vegetables
Mature fruits: sweet, used for desserts, jams, and beverages
Pulp strands: used in soups and confections like Spanish “cabello de ángel” or Portuguese “chila”
Seeds 🌰: Protein- and fat-rich, eaten roasted or used in Mexican sweets like palanquetas
Leaves & Flowers 🌿: Young shoots and flowers can be eaten as leafy greens
Medicinal & Nutritional 💊: Contains D-Chiro-Inositol, effective in lowering blood sugar; traditionally used for diabetes management
Native to the Americas, with early cultivation likely in Mexico and Peru. Today it is grown widely from Mexico through Argentina and introduced to Europe (Spain, Portugal) and Asia. Its long storage life made it valuable historically for transport and food supply.
Long Storage 🏺: Mature fruits last for years, ideal for transport and storage
Highly Productive 🌿: Single plants yield dozens of fruits
Versatile 🍹: Used fresh, cooked, in preserves, beverages, and livestock feed
Self-Propagating 🔄: Vine can root naturally from cuttings or tendrils, creating new plants without extra effort
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| Type of Delivery | Processing Time | Insured | Possible Delays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 7–10 business days | ❌ | 7–14 days | Basic shipping option |
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