Chilacayote is a perennial in warmer areas. But they don't like frost too much.
Lately, we have had some frost here in San Diego. The other day, we even had a little ice in the water hose.
In the video, you can see microclimates in action. Closer to the house, in a wind-sheltered area, the leaves of the squash are nice and green. But in the more open area, all the leaves are gone.
Suddenly, the big squashes - which look a lot like watermelons- are visible. Before, they were hiding under the big leaves.
The leaves were what set me hunting for seeds for this squash in the first place. I had heard on a podcast that these plants are great to control Bermuda grass. And Bermuda grass and I are in a constant battle. The grass is winning for the most part.
Finding seeds wasn't easy. I looked all over and finally bought some for 50 cents a piece. Btw. None of them germinated.
A while later, I went on a tour of a Permaculture Homestead and there was one - hanging up in a tree. My friend, the owner, was more than happy to give it to me.
So many seeds!!!
Ever since I have chilacayote plants growing all over my yard and have given countless seeds and fruit away.
The seeds are edible and are packed with protein. When they are still immature, they give a nice little bite in a soup.
Speaking of soup, the squash falls apart when cooked in a broth and gives the soup a nice creamy feeling.
A friend is trying to grow some in Oregon right now - soon we know if it can be grown as an annual and still produce fruit.
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