Hunt for Shark Fin Melon...

[donald]

Still not been able to track down any suppliers of shark fin melon seeds. I contacted a couple of the recommended sites (thanks to those who recommended a few), but to no avail. Does anyone know of any uk seed shop/store that sells them?

Thanks

[Seahorse]

Hi Donald,

I've got hold of some of these from abroad. I'll be happy to send you a few when (if!) they arrive.

[donald]

Thanks a lot for the offer, Seahorse. I just thought the melon would be something different to grow (and a talking point!). I've received the Real Seeds Catalogue a few days ago and I've ordered some of their different seeds, which will be interesting for this years growing season.Will let you know how these go. If you do have some seeds spare, then please could you e-mail my daughter at lornathorne87@yahoo.co.uk?We can arrange the cost of the seeds (plus postage & packaging) should you have any spare seeds. Thanks for the advice and recommendations.
Donald

[Seahorse]

Have sent an email to your daughter

[Lizzy]

I have never heard of Shark Fin Melons, what are they like, flavour, etc.?

[Seahorse]

I have never heard of Shark Fin Melons, what are they like, flavour, etc.?

I really don't know! My interest (and I think Donald's) was sparked by their use to make soup in the film 'Grow Your Own'. SFM is just one of their names, if you Google Cucurbita ficifolia, chilacayote or malabar gourd you should be able to find more info.

[momol]

I have never heard of Shark Fin Melons, what are they like, flavour, etc.?

They are really bland actually. Mostly used in sweetened stuff or cook in soup (vegetarian shark fin). I only tried the sweetened one.

Cucurbita ficifolia is well know of cold hardy (it can take colder than any other cucurbita but can't take frost), it can be overwintered in mild winter and grown as parennial, it is a huge vine and said to be very productive (the fruit is green with white stripes similar like water melon).

[crichmond]

I just ordered a few packs from here Fig Leaved Gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia)
so I will have some spare seeds if anyone want when they arrive.