Bottle or Round Gourd planting guide

Gourds include the fruits of some flowering plant species in the family Cucurbitaceae, particularly Cucurbita and Lagenaria. The term refers to a number of species and subspecies, many with hard shells, and some without. One of the earliest domesticated types of plants, subspecies of the bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, have been discovered in archaeological sites dating from as early as 13,000 BCE. Gourds have had numerous uses throughout history.

How to Grow Bottle Gourd from Seed

Bottle gourd can be grown year-round using the seed planting method. The optimal time to plant seeds is during the summer and monsoon seasons. 

Seeds are directly placed in shallow holes or raised beds, germinating in 7-8 days.

Bottle gourd seedlings grow quickly and develop a climbing habit rather fast. But soil shouldn't be too dry or too wet.

For the climber to grow, robust trellis support should be placed. Many gardeners allow the plant to trail on the ground or climb on poles or the house's roof.

To stimulate branching, pinch off the young plant's growth tips.

In the second month, the side shoots will produce separate male and female flowers.

Female flowers contain little gourds beneath them after pollination. If there are a lot of male blooms, you can remove some of them.

How to Grow Bottle Gourd in Pots/Containers: 

Bottle gourds can be grown in 14-inch containers or large grow bags with ease.

Before sowing seeds, fill the container with a good-quality potting mixture.

One of the greatest growth supplements for bottle gourds is an organic vegetable mix.

Make sure that you grow only a single plant in each container.

 Bottle gourd care: 

Bottle gourd should be grown in a sunny, open environment.

Apply a thick layer of coco peat and well-rotted manure on the top of the plant in equal parts. During the growing season, repeat this process 2-3 times.

Bottle gourd needs lots of water to grow well. It needs a constant supply of moisture to thrive.

Stopping and pinching the climber regularly ensures healthy produce and plant.

When to harvest bottle guard:

After 2-3 months of seed sowing, the harvesting season begins and lasts roughly 6-8 weeks.

The best time to harvest is when the fruits have a soft, smooth surface and you can easily scrape or press your fingernail through the skin. You can remove the bottle gourd from the plant by snipping it with a pair of garden shears. 

Over and all it depends on how you take care of plant plus how much keen interest one have in planting process, Here required patients, care and knowledge of gardening. 

Vidya Kreation

Meenu (Priya) Choudhary

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