Calabash Tree, How To Grow A Calabash Tree: How Tall Does Calabash Grow And Where Can You Grow Calabash?

The small evergreen calabash tree (Crescentia cujete) can reach a height of 25 feet (8 meters) and bears peculiar fruits and flowers. The large, round, hard fruit hangs directly beneath the branches, and the flowers are greenish yellow with red veins. Continue reading for additional information about calabash trees, including growing tips.

Information about Calabash Trees

The calabash tree has wide, spreading branches and a broad, irregular crown. The length of the leaves is 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm). In the wild, orchids grow in the bark of these trees. Information about calabash trees reveals that the flowers are cup-shaped and measure approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in width. It appears that they sprout straight from the calabash branches. They smell slightly and only bloom at night. The flowers die and wilt by midday the next day. Bats pollinate the flowers of calabash trees at night. The round fruit is eventually produced by the trees. It takes six months for these big fruits to ripen.

The fruits of calabash trees are used for a variety of ornamental purposes, but it is evident from the facts that they are not edible to humans. For instance, musical instruments are made from the shells. It is, however, said that horses can break through the hard shells. They consume the fruit without any negative consequences. Amphitecna latifolia, commonly known as black calabash trees, belong to the same family as calabash and share many of its characteristics. Their growth reaches a similar height, and they bear calabash-like leaves and flowers. On the other hand, the black calabash fruits are edible. Please do not mix up the two trees.

Growing a Calabash Tree: A Guide

If you’re wondering how to grow a calabash tree, the seeds inside the fruit are what give the trees their growth. The pulp that surrounds the fruit’s shell contains the brown seeds. You can plant the seeds in practically any kind of soil as long as you keep it moist. Drought is intolerable for calabash trees, whether they are mature specimens or seedlings. Only places free of frost are suitable for planting calabash trees. Even the smallest amount of frost will kill the tree. Plant hardiness zones 10b through 11 of the US Department of Agriculture are ideal for its growth. Watering the calabash tree on a regular basis is part of tree care. Calabash does not tolerate salt, so exercise caution when planting it close to the ocean.