First officially recorded in the 1818 publication of Le Bon Jardinier where it is was known as ‘Girauman Turban’. The wonderful variation in the fruits mean that not one is the same so expect a riot of colour in the vegetable plot. Where the original was strictly an ornamental fruit - as the flavour was watery, insipid & grainy - today everything has changed & its thick orange flesh is floury, sweet & slightly nutty. Fruits weigh around 2kg (4lbs) each. 
 
CULTURE – Sow seeds 2.5cm deep on their edge in May undercover in individual pots. Once plants establish plant out at 90cm (36”) intervals, some can climb / trail for 90cm (36”)Can be harvested from 15 weeks. Prefers hot, rich, moisture retentive soil. Very frost sensitive & will respond well to additional feeding with natural fertilisers throughout the season.