Ecballium elaterium
squirting cucumber
A tender, bushy or trailing perennial grown as an annual. Dark greyish-green, five-lobed leaves are carried on long, bristly stems. Pale yellow flowers, about 2cm across, appear in summer, followed by hairy, blue-green fruit that are touch-sensitive, squirting out seeds over large distances when ripe
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Pets (dogs, cats): IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ecballium are trailing or bushy, bristly perennials which produce touch-sensitive fruit that can squirt seeds out over great distances when ripe. They have lobed leaves and funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Start seeds off under glass, planting out into an open, sunny position with well-drained soil after all risk of frost has passed
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Aphids and glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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