SEED TYPE : Non-Hybrid, Open Pollinated

PLANT TYPE : Annual Climber, Needs trellis or Support

FRUIT COLOR :  Green

SOWING TIME: Summer Season Crop

SOWING METHOD : Directly from seed / Transplanting

GERMINATION TIME : 6 – 8 Days

GROWING CONTAINER : 12 inch height pot / Garden bed.

GROWING MEDIA : 2 part  Garden soil 1 part Cocopeat 1 part Vermicompost.

FRUITING : 100 – 120 Days after sowing.

DESCRIPTION :

Snake gourd care is similar to that of most other gourds. Prune the plant’s lateral branches to increase fruit set and production. Some people tie a pebble or other weight to the flower end of the gourd to foster a straighter fruit, but this is just for aesthetics. There is no need to do so. Harvest snake gourds when young, around 40-50 days from planting. The long varietals may then be ready when only 16-18 inches, while the shorter cultivars will be around 6-8 inches in length.

Fully ripe fruit is quite inedible, orange and mushy, although the red, jelly-like substance surrounding the seeds can be eaten much as a tomato sauce in recipes or used in Ayurveda medicine. Seeds are often used as fodder for livestock but are toxic to humans.

Harvesting: (100-120 days from seed sowing) Snake gourd climber will start flowering at the end of 3rd month. You can start harvesting slender, long Snake Gourd fruits after 3 months of seed sowing.

Tips to Grow: Heavy feeders, requiring high nitrogen. Plant into fertile soil or amend with compost or manure. Heavy water needs, mulch and supply adequate water, at least 1” per week for optimum growth. Vines can grow 15 feet or more. Grow on a trellis for more uniform, straight gourds and for more garden space.