How to Sow Ridge Gourd Seeds: Learn Ridge Gourd  Farming in 7 Simple Steps

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.

Discover a wide range of ridge gourd seeds for all your farming needs. A close-up of fresh ridge gourds is shown alongside a mobile phone displaying various seed options and a hand holding another phone displaying the text "DESIKHETI". A "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is superimposed on the image of the ridge gourds.

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

Step 1: Climate, Soil and Season for Ridge Gourd Farming. A sky with soft, diffuse clouds is shown. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com".

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

Step 2: Selecting the Right Ridge Gourd Variety. A close-up of fresh ridge gourds serves as the background, with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

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

Step 3: Procuring Quality Ridge Gourd Seeds. A mobile phone displaying the "DESIKHETI" app interface, showing options for "CROPS", "Vegetables" with icons for "RADISH" and "RIDGE GOURD", is positioned against a background of ridge gourd seeds. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, and a circular inset shows a close-up of ridge gourd seeds. The website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

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

Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds. A blue tractor with a plow attachment is seen tilling a field under a clear sky. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com".

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.

Elevate your farming with high-quality ridge gourd seeds. A vibrant green background of ridge gourd leaves and vines is shown alongside a mobile phone displaying various seed options and a hand holding another phone displaying the text "DESIKHETI". A "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is superimposed on the image of the foliage.

Step 5: Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds

Step 5: Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds. A hand is shown carefully dropping seeds into a furrow of tilled soil. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com".

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

Step 6: Care After Sowing Ridge Gourd Seeds. Young ridge gourd plants are shown growing on trellises in a field. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com".

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

Step 7: Harvesting Ridge Gourd. A close-up of several green ridge gourds is shown on a dark background. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying ridge gourd seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com".

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.

Enhance your crop yields with high-quality ridge gourd seeds. A pile of ridge gourd seeds is shown alongside a mobile phone displaying various seed options and a hand holding another phone displaying the text "DESIKHETI". A "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is superimposed on the image of the seeds.

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.

Explore a diverse selection of ridge gourd seeds for your farm. A pile of fresh ridge gourds is shown alongside a mobile phone displaying various seed options and a hand holding another phone displaying the text "DESIKHETI". A "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is superimposed on the image of the ridge gourds.

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