Ecballium elaterium SQUIRTING CUCUMBER (10 seeds)

Squirting Cucumber, also known as Exploding Cucumber, Devil’s Cucumber, or by its Latin name Ecballium elaterium, is a fast-growing annual plant native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family. It is a creeping variety, typically reaching 50 to 80 cm in both height and width.

The leaves of this plant are thick, triangular, and rough, similar to those of a zucchini. Its scentless flowers are pale yellow with 5 petals, measuring 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Flowering begins in June and continues until the first frost.

The fruits are hairy and oval-shaped, measuring 6 to 8 cm in length. They start green and turn yellow upon maturity in late summer. Once ripe, the fruit explodes by contracting sharply—often triggered by touch—ejecting its seeds at nearly 50 km/h over several meters.

Squirting Cucumber seeds are oval, smooth, shiny, and dark brown.

- Uses:

Devil's Cucumber is primarily grown for its highly original and entertaining fruit, as it is unfortunately not edible.

In historical medicine, the juice was used by the Greeks and the English as a purgative. Today, this use has been discontinued because it is considered far too dangerous—the entire plant is toxic.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The most effective period to sow Exploding Cucumber is from April to May.
• Prepare a tray or pots with horticultural potting soil.
• Sow the seeds by burying them under 3 to 4 millimeters of substrate.
• Water the crop gently using a spray bottle.Place the plantation in a greenhouse at a temperature of approximately 25°C.
• Germination will begin 3 to 5 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

As a wild plant, it thrives in soil that is low in organic matter but well-draining and rich in minerals. A sandy soil is perfectly suited for this unusual plant.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

Plant must be exposed to bright light to grow well. It should therefore be cultivated in full sun.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It develops best when temperatures range between 15°C and 35°C. It is not hardy and will not survive winter frosts.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

Like all cucurbits, this plant loves water. It is necessary to water the base of the plant during planting, then twice a week during the first month.

- Multiplication / Propagation:

The only way to propagate this plant is through seeds; stem cuttings are unfortunately not possible with this species.

- Pests / Diseases:

Plant is sometimes attacked by powdery mildew. In such cases, a treatment like Bordeaux mixture may be necessary.

- Maintenance:

In late summer, it will be time to harvest the seeds from fruits still on the plant for the following year. Afterward, pull up the annual plant and add it to your compost.