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Cyclanthera pedata
Caigua
  • Annual
  • Full Sun
  • Germination Tested November 15, 2023: 100%
  • 10+ seeds per packet
Regular price $5.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $5.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

Achocha or caigua is a vigorous annual vine in the cucumber family. The fruits can be eaten raw and whole when they are young and tender. When they get a bit older, the skin and seeds toughen up, but they can be hollowed out and stuffed with various fillings.

When raw, they taste like a fresh young cucumber, with hints of green pepper or green bean. They’re juicy and crunchy. Delicious! They keep producing all summer long, and shine in the garden after the cucumbers have slowed down.

Achocha grows quickly, and is almost immune to diseases and pests that affect other plants in the same family. They would make a fantastic living shade wall on a patio or garden nook because they grow so quickly.

Achocha was domesticated centuries ago in the Andes, but interestingly it’s no longer found growing wild there. It was an important crop to the Incas. Now it is widely grown and enjoyed in South and Central America, and South Asia.

Growing Instructions

Achocha can be started indoors, or direct sown once the soil has warmed up. If starting indoors, note they do grow quickly so don't start them too early! 2-4 weeks before your planting out date is probably sufficient- for example start indoors mid April to early May for planting out mid-May. If you do start them really early indoors, have some stakes ready to put in their pots for them to climb up. Make sure you have a tall trellis for the plants to grow on outdoors as vines can grow over 12 feet long.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds within Canada for a flat fee of $6, United States for $25, and internationally for $25*. Live plants and bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.

 

Shipping in Canada 

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

 

Shipping to the US

We ship all US orders by tracked packet and they usually take two weeks to arrive.

According to the USDA, most seeds require an import permit to be brought into the US and the permit is free and useable for multiple orders/years. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". In our experience shipping seeds over several years, most small orders will make it across the border without issues, but occasionally they will be held at US Customs. 

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit and Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by US customs.

 

Shipping Internationally

International orders are usually shipped via untracked packet. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit and Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held of confiscated by customs.

International shipping countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

 

If you have any issues with the quality of your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will make it right!

*Shipping fees are in Canadian dollars. 

Ecologically Grown

Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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E
Eden Machery
Achocha Seeds

Fantastic germination and super strong seedlings! Can't wait to see how they do

E
Elvie
Look very interesting. A new one for me.

Look very interesting. A new one for me.

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Fannie
Seeds were very well packaged and shipped....

Seeds were very well packaged and shipped. This plant is new to me so will try them out next year!