Table of Contents
Introduction
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), also known as lauki or doodhi, is one of the most commonly used vegetables in Indian homes. Its mild taste, versatility in cooking, and year-round availability make it a staple in Indian kitchens. Because of its regular use, growing bottle gourd is a great option for farmers, home gardeners, and even small kitchen gardens.
Given its high market value, bottle gourd farming can be a profitable venture with the right approach. It grows well in different parts of India and does not require very high maintenance. In this blog, we will explain how to grow bottle gourd in seven easy steps from choosing the right seeds to harvesting so you can grow it successfully at home or on your farm.
Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Bottle Gourd Seeds
Climate for Bottle Gourd Cultivation
Bottle gourd grows well in warm weather and does not perform well in cold or frosty conditions. It thrives best when temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C, with a minimum of 18°C required for seed germination. This crop is also sensitive to day length. Short days and a humid climate encourage the development of more female flowers, which are essential for fruit production.
Soil for Bottle Gourd Cultivation
Bottle gourd can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it performs best in well-drained sandy to sandy loam soils enriched with organic matter. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot and promote healthy vine development. For optimal growth, maintain a soil pH between 5.7 and 6.7.
Season for Sowing Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd is grown year-round in different regions of India.
- Generally, during the Kharif season, seeds are sown in June–July.
- In the Rabi season, sowing usually takes place in October–November.
- For the summer crop, seeds are generally sown in February–March.
- In hilly areas, sowing is typically done from March to June.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Bottle Gourd Variety
Various factors such as variety, colour, shape, time to maturity, local market preferences, and climate need to be considered when selecting a bottle gourd variety. For your convenience, a few popular bottle gourd varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Bottle Gourd Seeds
For successful bottle gourd farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can result in low yields and weak plant health. Looking for the best bottle gourd seeds? DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium bottle gourd seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection of bottle gourd seeds, place your order online, and enjoy fast, reliable delivery right to your doorstep.
Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Bottle Gourd Seeds
To prepare the field for bottle gourd, start by ploughing the land 2–3 times to make the soil loose and well-aerated. Remove weeds and mix in well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM) or compost to enrich the soil with nutrients. Create raised beds or ridges with proper spacing to ensure good drainage, which is important for healthy root growth and vine spread.
Step 5: Sowing Bottle Gourd Seeds
Bottle Gourd Seed Rate: For hybrids, use 400 to 450 g of bottle gourd seeds per acre of land. However, the exact seed rate may vary depending on spacing, method of sowing, and other factors.
Bottle Gourd Seed Treatment: Bottle gourd seeds sold by private companies are usually treated chemically before sale. However, if the seeds are untreated, treat them with carbendazim at 2 g per kg of seeds.
Bottle gourd seeds are usually sown directly in the field. They can be sown on raised beds, mounds, or ridges, depending on the soil and irrigation setup. Maintain a spacing of about 1.5 to 2 metres between rows and 60 to 90 cm between plants for proper vine growth and airflow.
For an early crop, bottle gourd seeds can also be sown in polythene bags. These bags are generally kept in a shade net, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the main field after 15 days.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Bottle Gourd Seeds
Water Management:
Proper irrigation is very important for healthy bottle gourd growth. In the Kharif season, the bottle gourd crop is usually rainfed, and irrigation is given only when necessary. Usually during summer, water the crop every 3 to 4 days, while in winter, irrigation once every 10 days is sufficient, depending on the soil moisture. Always keep the soil slightly moist. Too much or too little water can harm fruit development. Overwatering may cause fruit drop, while moisture stress can reduce fruit size.
Weed Management:
Perform 2 to 3 hoeings during the initial stages of bottle gourd plant growth to keep the field free of weeds. Manual weeding can also be done depending on the intensity of weeds.
Step 7: Harvesting Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd is usually ready to harvest 60 to 100 days after sowing, depending on the variety. Once a fruit sets, it takes about 15 days to reach the marketable stage. Harvest the fruits when they are tender, medium-sized, and have soft seeds. Lightly pressing the skin can help check tenderness, and a slight fuzz on the surface indicates freshness. Smaller, tender fruits usually fetch a better price in the market. Picking can be done every 3 to 4 days.
Common FAQs Related to Bottle Gourd Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing Bottle Gourd?
A. Bottle gourd grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It does not perform well in cold or frost conditions and prefers a humid environment with short day lengths for better fruit development.
Q. Which soil is best for growing Bottle Gourd?
A. Well-drained sandy to sandy loam soils enriched with organic matter are ideal for bottle gourd cultivation. The soil pH should be maintained between 5.7 and 6.7 for optimal growth.
Q. What is the seed rate of Bottle Gourd per acre?
A. For hybrid varieties, the recommended seed rate is 400 to 450 grams per acre.
Q. When can Bottle Gourd be harvested?
A. Bottle gourd is usually ready for harvest 60 to 100 days after sowing, depending on the variety. Fruits are harvested when tender, medium-sized, and seeds are soft.
Q. What is the scientific name of Bottle Gourd?
A. The scientific name of bottle gourd is Lagenaria siceraria.
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