Calabash Tree (Jícara)

About the Calabash Tree (Jícara)

The jícara, or calabash tree, has been part of Mesoamerican life for thousands of years. Its large, round, hard-shelled gourds grow straight from the trunk and branches; once dried, cleaned and cut, they become the traditional jícaras used to serve pozol, atole and tejate, as well as bowls, cups, maracas and crafts. The pulp is not eaten. The tree is picturesque, with long, spreading branches, clusters of small leaves and bell-shaped flowers that open at night and are pollinated by bats. It is tough and drought-tolerant. Grown on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped via DHL.

How to Care for It

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; it handles poor, rocky and limestone soils. Water young trees regularly; established trees cope with long dry seasons. Feed with compost once or twice a year. Protect from frost. Prune to shape a low, spreading crown and support branches carrying heavy gourds. Let gourds mature fully on the tree before harvesting and drying.

The backbone of a tropical orchard. Mangoes, Booth 8 avocado, red mamey, chicozapote, carambola, dwarf coconuts, jackfruit and dragon fruit: reliable, productive trees that thrive in Mexico's warm lowlands and coasts, grown on our farms and shipped by DHL.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Crescentia cujete

Family

Bignoniaceae

Native to

Tropical Americas

Mature height

6–10 m

Plant spacing

6 m

Years to first fruit

3–5 years

Light

Full sun

Water

Low, drought tolerant

Cold tolerance

down to 2 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics

Grows in a pot

Best in the ground

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas