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Cyclanthera pedata
Caigua
  • Annual
  • Full Sun
  • Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 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 usually don’t start setting fruit until late in the season, but will keep producing until frost. They 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 via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $12, and Internationally for $20*. Live plants and large bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.

Any shipping overages will be refunded.

 

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 once we fulfill your order. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

 

Shipping to the US

We ship all US orders via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.

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 the buyer's responsibility to ensure that seeds or bulbils are allowed to be sent to your region. We are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs in your country. 

 

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. 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. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option. 

 

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

*Shipping fees listed here 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 4 reviews
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Stella Rahman

I’ll plant the seeds next summer as it is winter now in Toronto, Canada.

E
Eden Mackay
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!