Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera
apple gourd
An annual which naturally scrambles along the ground and over other low plants, reaching about 3m. It can be trained up a sturdy support. It has green variably round to palmate leaves and yellow flowers. These develop into an array of inedible but decorative fruit in different shapes and colours. These tend to be round or pear-shaped, patterned green and/or yellow and smooth-skinned
Other common names
bell gourdbicolor gourd
see moreorange gourd
pear gourd
yellow-flowered gourd
vegetable marrow
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green Yellow | |
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | Green Yellow | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, fruit intended for decoration only. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. For more advice see cucurbit cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.