Anyone growing Achocha?

[DeanRIowa]

I received some in a trade from Belgium, but I have had some terrible weather in my area this year, thus they are getting a late start and it is a race to the first frost.

How long from transplant to harvest?

I would be interested to here how Achochas are doing for everyone else.

thanks,
Dean

[realfood]

I am trying Achochas in a greenhouse in Glasgow. They are growing well with what appears to be male flowers as well as female flowers, but no fruit as yet. Have tried shaking them to get pollenated. Any other suggestions?

[Tam]

I grew these once and was amazed by the speed of growth, but was so disappointed by the lack of taste that I composted the plants and have never tried them again.

[daylily]

Depends, which variety about the size and usefullness for the kitchen, otherwise, thye grow like crazy and I can testify that on this somewhat northernly location of UK where I am, Derbyshire.

Tastes just like nice fresh cucumber, lovely.

Crazy, full of fruit and lush growth, beating ordinary cukes to it, albeit I had a variety with the inch sized fruit, not much to use there, once peeled.

[Flummery]

I had my first one to eat over a month ago. Since then they seem to be concentrating on growing the vine! Still hoping for more but they are flowering again so maybe soon.

[DeanRIowa]

How long from transplant to harvest?

Dean

[DeanRIowa]

The plants have set fruit, which are just a little smaller then my thumb.
How much longer until I can harvest some fruits for seed saving? I have maybe a couple more weeks until my season comes to an end, because of frost.

What size is best used for cooking?

thanks,
Dean

[Flummery]

I let them get to about 3 inches for eating. Leave them a bit longer if you want nice black seeds though. Can't tell you how they taste though as they've always been in with chillies, peppers, onions, tomatoes etc in stews or sauces! Must try some on their own!

Now getting loads from one of the plants at the allotment. It's covering the fence and making a break for the churchyard beyond. The other is still 18" high with no fruits on. Treated the same - don't get it?

[realfood]

My plants have escaped from the Greenhouse via a window and at last are setting fruits with the help of hoverflies. I intend to pinch out the growing tips and make them concentrate on growing the fruits that have now set.

[DeanRIowa]

A few of mine are about 3" long and the plants have exploded with fruit. I plan an allowing them to grow a bit more for seed saving. I might pick a couple to taste them though.

thanks,
Dean

[Flummery]

They don't taste of much! Had them plain stir fried and they haven't much flavour - but at least they're unusual - and not poisonous! I'll grow them again - they are fruiting like mad.

[DeanRIowa]

Has anyone eaten them? I thought they tasted similar to a pepper/cucumber cross.

Dean

[Flummery]

They remind me very much of courgette. Their flavour isn't strong but is certainly very pleasant. We're eating loads at the moment as they are growing like weeds!