Trichozant

The plant, which has a rather exotic name Trichosanth, is very popular in exotic countries. According to reliable information, in such places on the planet it is completely eaten by stems, leaves, fruits and even tendrils. In our country, it is customary to call it a cucumber, although in fact, according to biological characteristics, it belongs to the pumpkin family. In our climatic conditions, growing this wonderful liana is quite easy. And the benefits of eating fruits saturated with trace elements and vitamins will affect the whole family.

Description and features

The serpentine fruit is not the only unusual feature of the plant. Considerable importance is also given to the stem, which tends to trail at a distance of up to 3 meters. Of course, the most significant are the fruits themselves. They can curl or have a straight body. At the initial stage of development, they have a color characteristic of a cucumber, which gradually turns into orange, reminiscent of a relationship with a pumpkin. Depending on the variety, their shape and size may vary.

The Japanese version of the cucumber also has seeds inside. There are very few of them and no more than 10 pieces fall on a long body. In terms of hardness, they also resemble pumpkin fruits. According to the established opinion, not trichozant is simply possible, but also recommended to be eaten. Inside it there are many useful substances that enrich the human body.

Often the plant is used in the garden for decorative purposes. After all, the length of the stem allows you to create a magnificent weaving on the gazebo, and elongated large fruits will become a real unusual decoration. The flowers of the plant also look beautiful and unusual. Many people compare them to snowflakes. They are just as white, and also have many small villi. Their aroma is very attractive and will decorate the summer cottage. They open up in the evening. Unfortunately they have to be pollinated by hand as local bees are unwilling to handle them.

In Asian countries, this type of cucumber is often eaten. It can be eaten as a separate dish, create various sandwiches, salads, as well as boil or stew.

A normal fruit contains a huge amount of useful substances:

This is not a complete list of useful substances. Although their number is minimal and, they still bring their benefits. Also, the fruit contains a lot of organic substances, such as starch and oils.

You can safely use the whole plant. In addition to eating the fruit, the stem, root and seeds are used in folk medicine. Seed and stalks help to lower the temperature, and the decoction causes a diuretic effect. The root is taken as a remedy for skin diseases and minor wounds.

Growing in the greenhouse

Growing a plant is divided into three main stages:

• receiving seedlings;
• landing in a greenhouse;
• in open field development.

Like any thermophilic, gardeners are advised to initially get seedlings. Planting seeds is carried out around the end of April. Before entering them into the ground, they must be subjected to special treatment. And then they are laid on a damp cloth and given time to “hatch” or germinate. Landing is recommended in advance cleared soil. One seed is used per cup. Until the emergence of seedlings, cover with a transparent film. The serpentine trichosanth loves warmth, therefore the temperature index of the soil should not fall below 20 degrees Celsius. Watering must be carried out daily, but do not allow flooding.

If in the settlement where the plant will be grown, very warm weather is restored already in the month of May, then it is allowed to plant the seeds directly into the soil. In this case, the need for seedlings by itself disappears.

Trichozant (Japanese serpentine cucumber) is planted in the greenhouse around the end of the next month of May. The soil in the greenhouse should also be prepared. Experts recommend creating recesses at a distance of 40 cm from each other. Their depth should be approximately 30 cm. When planting seedlings, fertilizers should be applied. Usually a mixture of organic matter (manure) and a tablespoon of any complex product is used. Seedlings are planted in the hole, having previously irrigated the bottom with water. In order for the rhizome to develop successfully, cotyledon leaves should be planted.

Trichosanthus serpentine grows well and develops at an ambient temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius. It is also recommended to monitor the air indicators (in the still seedlings of the greenhouse). It should be equal to or close to 80%. It is advisable to securely cover with a film or plant in an open place where there are no drafts. Vegetation lasts about 100 days. If you correctly carry out the growing process, then this period is reduced by 10 days. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly.

Trichozant, the cultivation of which is painstaking but rewarding work, loves moisture very much. Therefore, by the time the flowers appear and the first ovary, watering should be increased. During the period of full growth of the cycle, it is recommended to carry out up to 4 top dressings. The best option is fermented cow manure, which is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. Also, the use of complex fertilizers will not interfere.

Trichosanth Japanese is recommended to thin out somewhat during the formation of fruits. The best option would be to grow in one stem, without large branches. If the cucumber begins to grow on a side shoot, then their concentration is allowed in an amount of no more than 2 pieces. They are separated by a distance of two sheets. The ripening of ready-to-eat fruits can last until the first serious frosts appear on the ground. If the temperature does not drop sharply, then the plant experiences such a drop.