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False cucumber 'Alba'

False cucumber 'Alba'

Product number: 243200
Origin: East Asia
Latin: Akebia quinata

The five-lobed leaves already give a playful appearance to this increasingly popular climbing plant. The clusters of hanging, pure white flowers decorate your wall or fence in the summer. The plant originates from East Asia and prefers a partially shaded spot. Eventually, very unique, grey-blue, elongated fruits (5-10 cm long and 4 cm wide) will develop, containing the seeds and surrounded by a white, almost liquid pulp. The entire contents are edible with a texture like pomegranate. With a little lemon juice, it's a delicacy! The peel is bitter, but after baking, it too becomes a delight. The young shoots of the Akebia are delicious in salads, and older leaves can be used to make a healthy tea. Many applications are known in Chinese medicine, including against infections. Finally, the 1-year-old shoots are suitable after winter as weaving material for baskets. For good fruit set, it is wise to use a small brush to bring the pollen from the male flowers (usually at the top of the plant) into contact with the pistils of the female flowers.

Names:
Latin: Akebia quinata
Dutch: Schijnaugurk
English: Chocolate Vine

Sowing method: The easiest method is to sow directly outdoors in autumn or winter. Allow the seeds to swell in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Prepare a seedbed by mixing the top layer with fine soil, scatter the seeds and press them down, do not cover with soil, as they need light to germinate. Germination should follow in spring; sometimes an additional winter is needed. Sowing (year-round) in a seed tray is also possible; first, provide warmth for 2-4 weeks (18-22°C), then a cold period, e.g., in the refrigerator (+4°C) for 6-8 weeks, followed by warming up again for 2-4 weeks. Consistently maintain these temperature changes until germination occurs. Germination periods of 12 months or longer are not uncommon for this species.

Sowing/planting time: