10 Seeds Shark Fin Melon Cucurbita ficifolia Heirloom Vine

Shark Fin Melon (Cucurbita ficifolia) is a vigorous perennial squash vine prized for its distinctive fig-shaped fruit and delicately flavored, shreddy flesh that separates into noodle-like strands when cooked. Often grown as an ornamental and edible curiosity, this heirloom earns its name from the fin-like texture of the cooked pulp, which absorbs seasonings beautifully in soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.

In the garden, Shark Fin Melon climbs trellises or sprawls along the ground, producing large green fruits that mature to pale yellow or white with dark seeds. It performs well in warm, sunny sites with fertile, well-drained soil and can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or as a long-lived perennial in frost-free climates. The mild-flavored flesh is favored for its unique texture, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
Species: Cucurbita ficifolia
Type: Perennial vine (grown as annual in cool zones)
Plant_Habit: Vigorous trailing or climbing vine
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, well-drained
Days_to_Harvest: 100-120 days
Zones: 4-10 (as annual); 9-11 (as perennial)
Germination: 7-14 days at 70-85F
Sowing: Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil warms
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Notes: Produces large, fig-shaped fruit with shreddy flesh.