Cassabanana (Sicana Odorifera)

Cassabanana (Sicana odorifera): an extraordinary Central American cucurbit, it produces a multitude of fruits with incredible flavors. Difficult to describe in words, a blend of melon and peach, with a hint of pineapple, an exotic and refreshing flavor, and incredibly fragrant. It can be eaten fresh, by the spoonful, in juice, or preserved in unique compotes. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting flavors you can try, bordering on addictive. There's one problem: the plant isn't easy to grow. Although hardy, and in years of cultivation we've virtually never encountered a single disease, it's very demanding when it comes to soil, temperature, and timing. The soil must be rich, well-draining, and kept moist despite exposure to full sun. Sowing should be done in a warm seedbed as soon as possible, or in a warm seedbed with the help of lights; in central and southern Italy, however, it should be done earlier, always with the help of a heater. The plant is exceptionally vigorous, growing several centimeters a day with enormous leaves. It has a climbing habit, covering a pergola of 30 square meters or more. Later, it will fill with numerous sausage-like fruits, a surprising effect. However, these take a long time to ripen; perhaps only in the far south will there be time. Fortunately, the climacteric fruits ripen after being picked. Place them in a box when the plant succumbs to the cold; they will keep for many months before ripening: they will turn a uniform brick color and give off an intense fragrance.
The time has come to enjoy the unforgettable result of your efforts.

We have been growing Cassabanana for years, although we have not distributed the seeds due to the difficulty in growing them.
The problem lies in the very long ripening time of the fruit and the plant's marked macrothermal aptitude.
It can be grown as an annual although it is also perennial when kept in the temperature and light conditions of the places where it is native.
We grow it in our hot greenhouse, in 600-litre containers, letting it climb up the roof using special supports.
This year we tried growing them in the open field, preparing a special substrate. The results are excellent, although we will have to wait until next year for the fruits to ripen, while in the greenhouse this happens on the plant.
Please note, our greenhouse provides a 12-hour photoperiod year-round under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
Hence the price of the seeds, they are expensive to produce (in the few distributors that exist in Europe the price is around 2.50 euros for a single seed!).
We do not recommend purchasing it for beginners, but if you are an agronomist or expert grower or you have something exceptional, it is worth it.
Minimum germination temperature 25°C g/n, consider a support for climbing plants capable of supporting the weight of the fruits and the extension of the plant.