The Figleaf Gourd is a southern Mexican native that needs long hot seasons (so start seeds early!) but makes incredible fruits to enjoy. Long vines up to 15 feet sport palmate lobed leaves that look like fig leaves, hence the name, with edible yellow flowers giving way to brilliantly green and white mottled ovular fruits that can weigh between 2 and 12 pounds and be over a foot long. Ornamental just as they are, immature fruits can be cut and used like summer squash, while fully mature fruits can be stored for months on end before being peeled and often used as a sweetened base for jams, pies, and other desserts (but still good savory fried as well). The unique black seeds can also be roasted or ground for protein-rich snacks and brittle-style sweets.
Very limited; packets contain approx. 10 seeds each.