Rainbow Cucumber 'Cassabanana'

We're introducing this rare member of the cucumber family with little knowledge of its cultivation. I'm calling on your help to experiment with it; the result will be a great reward for you! The climbing plants grow quickly and can reach 15 m in the tropics. We don't (yet) know how large they will get in our climate. My idea is to experiment both outdoors and in a greenhouse. Sow the plants very early in spring and let the first crop grow indoors until it's warm enough. At some point, the plant will start to produce white or yellow flowers, mostly male and hopefully soon female flowers too. The latter are recognizable by the developing fruit directly behind the flower. The elongated fruits that follow can be eaten unripe like zucchini, but I would first let them ripen completely. The surprise per plant is what color the glossy fruits will be: dark yellow, orange-red, chestnut brown, violet, dark purple or (almost) black. Cut the fruit open, spoon out the seeds with the surrounding pulp, and enjoy the wonderfully sweet, yellow flesh! Flavor experiences described as a mix between melon, cucumber, banana, and orange. ''It's possible that fruit set begins late in the year, as the days get shorter. It's also possible that the plants won't produce fruit until the following year. I don't know how much cold the plant can tolerate, but to be safe: prune the plant entirely back, build a tent of sticks around the plant, and wrap it with bubble wrap and/or acrylic fabric (before the frost comes). We're eager to hear about your findings!

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO CUCUMBERS:
Cucumbers, which produce long vines, can be pruned regularly. For outdoor cultivation (depending on the variety), a reasonable summer is needed, and all varieties grow well in a greenhouse. Sometimes it's advisable to let the plant grow outdoors if fruit set fails! Cucumbers are usually harvested unripe, unless the skin becomes particularly beautiful when ripe. Unripe fruits are sliced and used raw in salads; ripe fruits can be scooped out like a melon. Many small cucumber-like varieties or (extremely) young harvested fruits are eaten as gherkins (pickled) or as a healthy snack with a drink or meal. Pay attention to the individual descriptions of our species and varieties; some are purely ornamental and NOT edible!

Names:
Latin: Sicana odorifera
Dutch: Regenboogkomkommer (Rainbow Cucumber)
Also known as: Cassabanana
English: Cassabanana