Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig-leaf gourd seeds
Fig-leaf gourd leaves really do look like fig leaves.
MIXTA SQUASH, SILVER-SEED GOURD
Cucurbita argyrosperma
Mixta squashes are relatively uncommon in Europe. They need more heat than most other squashes
and usually require a long season; they cannot be grown outdoors for seed in cool regions. Plants grow
to be very large and have large, hairy leaves, which are lighter colored than those of moschata squash.
The fruit stem is hard, ribbed (often reminiscent of pepo squash), and the base is somewhat enlarged.
Seeds are white or beige; those of some varieties have a well-defined border and cracks in the surface,
and are covered in a thin, cellophane-like layer. Silver-seed gourds can cross with moschata and pepo
squash, one of the few
Cucurbita
species that can cross-pollinate other species in the genus. Some
varieties: all cushaws (except 'Golden Cushaw'), 'Mixta Gold', and 'Pepita'.