Gary Elvis Dugas’ Mirliton Vine in Lafayette, Louisiana
By Lance Hill
Gary Elvis Dugas has this beautiful mirliton vine growing in Lafayette. He purchased the seeds for Marcus Descant, The Urban Naturalist in the same town.
He kept the seed in paper bags and, when sprouted, planted them in 2-gallon containers February. He kept them and in a greenhouse then slowly brought into sun to avoid sun burn. They were transplanted into raised beds that are about 8 years old, and composted with chicken manure, leaves, and grass clippings. There is a nine-foot hog wire fence surrounding the raised beds to keep out critter. He then covered the beds with an overhead trellis made from 6” X 8” mesh fencing. He uses Miracle Grow Regular in April, June, and August.
Notice that the vine grows on chicken coops, so there is abundant natural fertilizer. Many growers have great success using chicken or rabbit manure mixed into planting holes and then applied to top once a year. That would make it a slow-release fertilizer that mirlitons need. Gary plans to cut back the plant for the winter and then hopes for a larger crop next year. He has picked several hundred this year.
Lafayette Variety Mirlitons sprouting
About 24 ounces each
Root base of one-year plant
Vine on Trellis over chicken coop