Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) Cucurbita argyrosperma
Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) (Cucurbita argyrosperma) is an annual vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Domesticated in south-west Mexico. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart.
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Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, seeds, flowers |
| Native to | Domesticated in south-west Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; very bitter fruit of any squash (cucurbitacins) should not be eaten.
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 Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián)
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 Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián)
- How far apart should I plant Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián)?
- About 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián)?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián) 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; very bitter fruit of any squash (cucurbitacins) should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Silver-seed gourd (cushaw, pipián). 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).
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Grown mainly for its big white-edged seeds, ground for pipián sauces; the green-striped crookneck ‘Cushaw’ is the US form. Resists squash vine borer better than C. pepo.
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