Table of Contents
Introduction
Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) is a widely cultivated vegetable in India, known for its ridged green exterior and soft, spongy flesh. Commonly used in curries, stir-fries, chutneys, and dals, it adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Apart from being a culinary staple, ridge gourd offers several health benefits: it is low in calories, high in dietary fiber, and helps improve digestion, detoxify the body, and manage blood sugar levels.
For farmers and home gardeners alike, ridge gourd is a rewarding crop, as it grows quickly and requires minimal maintenance. In this blog, we’ll take you through 7 easy steps to start growing ridge gourd in your own garden or farm.

Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds

Climate for Ridge Gourd Cultivation
Ridge gourd grows well in a warm and humid climate. The crop grows best during the rainy season. The plant prefers temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C for optimal growth. Ridge gourd seeds germinate well at around 25°C. A long, warm growing period with sufficient moisture helps the ridge gourd develop healthy vines and abundant fruits. However, long dry spells and heavy rainfall have a detrimental effect on the growth and fruiting of ridge gourd plants.
Soil for Ridge Gourd Cultivation
Ridge gourds can grow in various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay. However, well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in organic manure is best. The optimum soil pH is in the range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Season for Ridge Gourd Cultivation
Ridge gourd can be grown across multiple seasons in India depending on the region and climate. The rainy season crop is usually sown in the months of June to July. In South India, the rabi crop is typically planted in December. Generally, the summer crop is sown in February to March. However, in hilly regions, the optimum time for sowing is April to May.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Ridge Gourd Variety

Various factors such as climate, season, local market preferences, and more need to be considered while selecting a ridge gourd variety. For your convenience, a few ridge gourd varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Ridge Gourd Seeds

For successful ridge 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 ridge gourd seeds? DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium ridge gourd seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection, place your order online, and enjoy fast, reliable delivery right to your doorstep.
Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds

Plough the land 4 to 5 times to achieve a fine tilth. Apply 15 to 20 tonnes of FYM per hectare during the final ploughing.

Step 5: Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds

Ridge gourd seeds can be sown directly in the field or started in a nursery and transplanted later.
Seeds can be sown in raised beds, furrows, or pits. Around three seeds can be sown per pit and later thinned to two seedlings after germination. In the case of transplantation, seedlings can be transplanted two weeks after germination.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds

Water Management:
The first irrigation may be given immediately after planting, and subsequent irrigations can be given once every 4 to 5 days depending on soil moisture. Flowering and fruit development are critical stages for water requirements, so sufficient irrigation needs to be provided during these stages.
Weed Management:
Proper weed management is essential. The first weeding can be done 20 days after sowing, and another weeding can be done 30 to 45 days after the first weeding, depending on the intensity of weeds.
Step 7: Harvesting Ridge Gourd

Ridge gourd is usually ready for the first harvest about 60 days after sowing the seeds. The fruits reach marketable size within 5 to 7 days. Picking can be done every 3 to 4 days. It’s important not to leave the fruits on the vine until they become overripe, as this affects their taste and texture.

Common FAQs Related to Ridge Gourd Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing ridge gourd?
A. Ridge gourd grows best in warm and humid climates with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. It thrives during the rainy season when there is sufficient moisture.
Q. Which soil is best for growing ridge gourd?
A. Well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal for ridge gourd cultivation. The optimum soil pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.5.
Q. When can ridge gourd be harvested?
A. Ridge gourd is usually ready for harvest about 60 days after sowing the seeds, depending on the variety.
Q. What is the scientific name of ridge gourd?
A. The scientific name of ridge gourd is Luffa acutangula.

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