Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) Cucurbita ficifolia
Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) (Cucurbita ficifolia) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Highlands of Mexico to the Andes (domesticated, wild ancestor unknown). It grows 50 cm–4 m (20 in–13 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–4 m (20 in–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) 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 -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, seeds, shoots |
| Native to | Highlands of Mexico to the Andes (domesticated, wild ancestor unknown) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) 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 Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote)
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 Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote)
- How far apart should I plant Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote) 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 Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fig-leaf gourd (chilacayote). 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
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- The cool-climate squash: a short-lived perennial vine with fig-like leaves and watermelon-like fruit that keep for two years; the fibrous flesh makes the candy dulce de chilacayote (cabello de ángel).
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