Sicana

( sik - AH - nah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is comprised of vining, herbaceous plants native to rainforest and secondary shrub landscapes in the Caribbean and Central America. Species produce interesting, variably-colored fruits that are commonly known as Cassabananas. These vines can be grown for cultivation of edible fruits or as landscape ornamentals. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as seeds and leaves are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Sicana Species and Varietals

The genus Sicana is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, and includes three species. The best growing zones for Sicana plants are USDA zones 4a-11. For more growing information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sicana odorifera (Sicana atropurpurea, Cucurbita odorifera) (Cassabanana, Casbanan, Sikana, Puttigel, Musk Cucumber)
This species forms a fast-growing, fleshy vine that can reach up to 50 feet or more. It climbs structures and other plant life using tendrils, and produces palmately lobed, hairy green foliage. This species is native to tropical South America, where it is cultivated as a crop and grown ornamentally.

Caring for Sicana

Sicana plants are typically grown from seed; they are rarely sold in nurseries. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade; in warmer climates, make sure there is some afternoon shade. Ideally, these plants like to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. If they are grown in too much shade, they will not flower or fruit as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants like regular waterings, especially during their active growing, blooming and fruiting periods.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Sicana plants are perennial, but are grown in non-tropical zones as annual plants. At the end of the growing season after harvesting, they are typically pulled and composted.

Harvesting Sicana Fruit
Sicana fruits, also called Cassabananas, are gourds that are similar in texture and flavor to melons. They can have red, maroon, purple, or black skin and yellow flesh that has a taste similar to Cantaloupe. It has a strong smell that is sweet and pleasant, and for this reason it is sometimes cut and left in closets and around the house as an air freshener and moth deterrent. Immature fruits can be cooked as vegetables, and mature fruits are eaten raw or made into preserves. Fruits are ready for harvesting in summertime, when they reach their full size (about 2 feet long and 5 inches wide). They should feel firm and heavy for their size. Simply cut them from the vine using sharp, clean shears or scissors. Harvested fruit can be kept in a cool, dark, dry area for several months.

Propagation

Sicana, or Cassabanana, plants are typically grown from seed each year. In warmer or tropical regions, they can overwinter and regrow the next season, but in most temperate areas, frost will kill them and seeds will need to be re-sown the following spring. To propagate your Cassabanana vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Sicana by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds of Sicana plants are held inside of ripe fruits, and are toxic. Cut fruits open and remove seeds. Place seeds in a bowl of water as you remove them, and discard any that float. Then, lay the seeds out in a single layer and allow them to dry out. A dehydrator can be used, or they can simply be left in a cool, dark, dry area. Once they have dried, they can be sown.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a an inch deep under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water them in. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1.
Keep the seedlings' potting medium moist, but not wet as they develop. Keep them in area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home in the garden. These plants can also be grown in containers in greenhouses or indoors.

Problems and Pests

In favorable conditions, these vines are perennial plants that are vigorous climbers. Make sure that they have a strong structure to climb and do not allow them to grow up trees or other plants, as the vines have a tendency to kill trees and shrubs by smothering them.

Sicana, or Cassabanana vines, are susceptible to developing problems with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: