HAIRY GOURD F1 Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Benincasa hispida
- Also known as Moqua, fuzzy melon, or hairy melon—popular in Asian cooking.
- Produces long, cylindrical green fruits covered with fine, soft hairs.
- Harvest young for tender, mild-flavoured flesh ideal for stir-fries, soups, and curries.
- Hybrid (F1) variety selected for uniform fruit size, vigour, and high productivity.
- Fast-growing climbing vine requiring sturdy support structures or trellises.
- Thrives in warm, humid climates with a long growing season.
- Performs best in fertile, well-drained soils with regular watering.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual climbing vine
- Plant Height: Vines reach 3–5 m with support
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days (optimal soil temperature: 25–30°C)
- Depth: 2–3 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or large containers; thin to strongest seedlings
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 60–90 cm between plants; rows 100–150 cm apart
Growing Tips
- Soak seeds overnight to promote faster germination.
- Install trellis or support structure early to manage vigorous vines.
- Mulch well to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilise every 2–3 weeks with a balanced organic fertiliser.
- Harvest fruits at 15–25 cm for best eating quality—older fruits become fibrous.
- Pick regularly to encourage continuous production.
Harvest
60–75 days after sowing for tender fruits. Harvest when fruits are firm, green, and 15–25 cm long for best flavour and texture.
When to Sow Hairy Gourd in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | September–December | Sow after last frost when soil warms. Protect young plants from cold nights. |
| Subtropical | August–March | Plant during warm, frost-free months. Water well in dry spells. |
| Tropical | Year-round | Best planted in drier months; provide airflow to prevent fungal issues. |
| Cool | October–December | Sow in late spring or early summer; start indoors if needed. |
| Arid | August–March | Plant in milder seasons; mulch heavily and irrigate regularly. |
