Any one know about achocha?

[HeyWayne]

I grew some with a degree of success last year, but never really did anything with the fruits, and didn't seem to let any mature enough to set seed. I made the mistake of not giving it enough room too and it just looked forlorn and unloved.

Was given some seeds by a fellow grape, but didn't manage to sow them (hangs head in shame). I'm hoping to grow them next year though and will hopefully grow them as a hedge along my plot fence to give me a bit of wind shelter.

[Rabidbun]

How much raised bed room do they need d'you reckon? Just invested in the Fat Baby Achoka (along with some Melothrie seeds and West Indian Gherkin) and figured they could climb all over the fence next to the raised bed with luck! Want to give them lots of room to be healthy, but not dedicate the whole bed to the stuff incase I hate em!

[FoxHillGardener]

Someone kindly sent me some of these but I had no luck in getting them to germinate. Is there a trick? I quite fancy trying them again

[Alison]

I have some seeds from the Heritage Seed Library which I picked up at a take-what-you-want-for-a-donation stall last summer. Not tried them yet and no idea what type they are but will find out next year and then decide if I want to grow them again or not!

[Flummery]

I grow them for a talking point! I also chuck them into everything - stews, sauces, the lot. They taste of nowt but that's better than tasting awful! Think of the Vit C.

[Rocketron]

Are you sure you aren't growing exploding cucumber instead? I think there are 3 types of achocha sold by Real Seeds - one is an exploding one. Not sure which mine is but it doesn't go off with a bang!

I don't know. My seeds came from the pass the parcel seed swap.

[Flummery]

If you want to try one that DOESN'T explode, pm your address and I'll send you a few of mine. However, if you've decided you can't be bothered with the world's most flavourless veg, I shan't be offended!

[Alison]

You're not really encouraging me to bother growing the seeds I have next year...............

[basketcase]

If you want to try one that DOESN'T explode, pm your address and I'll send you a few of mine. However, if you've decided you can't be bothered with the world's most flavourless veg, I shan't be offended!

But does it take on the flavour of whatever it's cooked with flum?

[Rocketron]

If you want to try one that DOESN'T explode, pm your address and I'll send you a few of mine. However, if you've decided you can't be bothered with the world's most flavourless veg, I shan't be offended!

Thanks for the offer, I'm glad you aren't offended by my polite refusal.
BTW, I haven't forgotten about the best Tomato. When I have seeds, you'll be in receipt of a pm.

[poly]

Someone kindly sent me some of these but I had no luck in getting them to germinate. Is there a trick? I quite fancy trying them again

They are normally easy, windowsill job in mid spring or outside early summer. I think I just lightly cover mine with compost. They also self seed readily and spring up all over!

I would agree they are not the most flavour filled veg, but can still be useful. I enjoy growing them as they are so easy and look so different. If you need more seeds send a pm, I've got a couple of types.

[Flummery]

I like them. They are just bland. I bung them in all sorts (except puddings. Now there's a thought!)

[FoxHillGardener]

Thanks for the offer poly, but FrostyFreckle is sending me some. Fingers crossed I germinate themthis time

They are normally easy, windowsill job in mid spring or outside early summer. I think I just lightly cover mine with compost. They also self seed readily and spring up all over!

I would agree they are not the most flavour filled veg, but can still be useful. I enjoy growing them as they are so easy and look so different. If you need more seeds send a pm, I've got a couple of types.

[jackyspratty]

If we are successful growing hem next year, perhaps we should try and build up a range of culinary delights in which to showcase it? Perhaps not the exploding ones, exploding preserves might not be a good option!
Thanks for all the tips and advice everyone, look forward to growing it!
Donna

[gojiberry]

I grew them last year. I found them slow to fruit ( the plant was 4/5 ft high before the first fruit appeared but after that there were hundreds). I also made the mistake of growing one in the greenhouse and it took over. Didn't find much use for it so haven't bothered with it this year. Mine didn't explode at all.

Ian