Exploding Cucumber, Seed-spitting Gourd
Cyclantherabrachystachya

Family: Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Cyclanthera (sik-LANTH-er-uh)
Species: brachystachya (brak-ee-STAK-ee-uh)

Synonym:Cyclanthera explodens

Synonym:Elaterium brachystachyum

Category
Groundcovers
Vines and Climbers

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pale Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds