Achocha (caigua) Cyclanthera pedata
Achocha (caigua) (Cyclanthera pedata) is an annual vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Andes (Peru to Colombia). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Achocha (caigua) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young fruit, shoots |
| Native to | Andes (Peru to Colombia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Achocha (caigua) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Achocha (caigua)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew spreads between cucurbits in warm, dry weather. Evidence C
Questions about Achocha (caigua)
- How far apart should I plant Achocha (caigua)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Achocha (caigua) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Achocha (caigua) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Achocha (caigua)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Achocha (caigua) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks.
- Is Achocha (caigua) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Achocha (caigua)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Achocha (caigua). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A vigorous tendril climber with hollow, softly spined fruit eaten like green peppers (stuffed caigua); cropping well in cool summers, so popular in British allotments.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
- Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
- Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
- Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo
- Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
- Bitter melon Momordica charantia
- Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca