GOURD ‘Round’ Vegetable Seeds
Common name: Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Long Melon
Scientific name: Lagenaria siceraria
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Bottle Gourd is a versatile, fast-growing tropical vine known for its long, round-shaped fruits, which can be harvested young for cooking or allowed to mature for use as containers or ornaments. The young gourds have a mild flavor and are commonly used in soups, curries, and stir-fries. Bottle Gourd thrives in warm, humid climates and produces large, vigorous vines that can grow up to 6 meters with proper support.
- Also known as calabash gourd, white-flowered gourd.
- Young gourds are tender and ideal for cooking when 20-30 cm in length.
- Vigorous climber, requires support such as a trellis or fence for optimal growth.
- Mature fruits can be dried and used as natural containers, birdhouses, or ornaments.
- Thrives in warm and humid tropical and subtropical climates.
- Not frost-tolerant; prefers long, warm growing seasons.
- Performs best in fertile, well-drained soils.
Plant Type: Annual climber in temperate zones, perennial in tropical climates
Plant Height: Vines can grow up to 4 – 6 m
Sow When:
- Temperate: Late spring – early summer after the last frost
- Subtropical: September – December
- Tropical: Year-round in frost-free areas
- Arid: Late spring – early summer after the last frost
Germination: 7 – 14 days
Depth: 2 – 3 cm deep
Temperature: Germinates best at soil temperatures of 20 – 30°C
Position: Full sun
Sow Where: Directly into garden beds or large containers; thin to the strongest seedlings
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0 – 7.5
Rows: Space rows 100 – 150 cm apart
Spacing: 60 – 90 cm between plants
Details: Provide a sturdy trellis or support for the climbing vines. Water regularly to keep soil moist, and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth. Harvest fruits when young for culinary use, or allow them to mature on the vine for ornamental purposes.
Harvest: 70 – 90 days after sowing for young fruits; allow up to 120+ days for mature gourds suitable for drying and decorative use.
