Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina)

The snake goard is a tropical plant, so in colder climates it is best grown in a greenhouse or indoor. Sow seeds in moist and warm (27 °C / 80 F) slightly acid soil and raise in preculture. The seed should be covered with soil 1-2 times the thickness of the seed. To speed up germination, it may be helpful to slightly file down the seed coat. For outdoor cultivation, wait until vigorous young plants have formed, but cultivation under glass is generally recommended.

picture source: By Gary Stevens (Flickr: Persian Cukes at HOTCFM) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons