Wild Cucumber
Ecballium elaterium
Also known as
Squirting Cucumber, Exploding Cucumber
Ecballium elaterium pm2 by Peter A. Mansfeld (CC BY 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 1m |
10cm | Min | 50cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter
More images of Wild Cucumber
.jpg){kind=link}
Wild Cucumber Overview
Ecballium elaterium is a bushy perennial species which is frequently grown as an annual plant. Commonly called exploding cucumber or squirting cucumber after its explosive seed dispersal method. Upon ripening, this plant rapidly expels mucilage coated seeds from blue-green fruits when touched. Generally coated in hairy bristles, foliage has ruffled edges and this genus is generally grown for its funny fruits. Flowers are yellow, 5-petalled and measure approximately 2cm across.