Grow your own slippery snake! Unusual pale green narrow gourds that twist and curl, then, once dried, can be painted with your personalised snake pattern.

NOT EDIBLE - Use acrylic paints to create your own designs.

Sow March to April. Sow seed 1cm (½in) deep, in pots of moist seed compost. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 7 to 21 days. When at the 2 leaf stage, transplant seedlings on into 13cm (5 inch) pots and grow on in well-lit conditions.

Can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed.

Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 60cm (24 inches) apart.

For best results, provide a deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Dry fruits fully in a cool, airy position before painting the skins.

Not edible