How to grow Bottle Gourd (Lauki/लौकी).
Bottle gourd, also called Lauki or Ghia, is a nutritious summer vegetable popular across India.
It is valued for its cooling properties, high water content, and versatility in cooking.
Easy to grow at home, it supports a healthy diet and sustainable gardening.
Bottle gourd has been cultivated in India for thousands of years, both as food and for making utensils.
The plant's dried shell can be used to create traditional containers and musical instruments.
Young leaves and stems are also edible and used in regional dishes.
Requires sturdy support or trellis for vigorous vines
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How to grow Bottle Gourds at Home (In Pots or Grow Bags)
Step 1: Select the Right Variety (Day 0)
Choose a suitable hybrid or local variety
- Pick disease-resistant varieties like Pusa Aveen or Pusa Hybrid-3 for best results.
- Check with local nurseries for regionally adapted seeds.
- Use only fresh, healthy seeds for optimal germination.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil (Day 1-2)
Soil preparation for healthy roots
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile sandy loam soil.
- Mix in 1-2 kg of well-rotted compost or manure per planting spot.
- Ensure soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5 for best growth.
Step 3: Sowing Seeds (Day 3)
Direct sowing or transplanting
- Sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, spacing plants 1.5 m apart.
- Water gently after sowing.
- In cooler climates, start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings after 2-3 weeks.
Step 4: Provide Support (Day 10-15)
Install trellis or support structure
- Set up a sturdy trellis or vertical support for vines to climb.
- This prevents fruits from touching the ground and reduces rot risk.
- Use bamboo poles or wire mesh for cost-effective support.
Step 5: Watering and Mulching (Throughout Growth)
Maintain consistent moisture
- Irrigate every 4-5 days in summer; less often during monsoon.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Step 6: Fertilization (Day 15-30 and Beyond)
Feed for vigorous growth
- Apply balanced organic fertilizer or NPK (100:60:60 kg/ha) at planting.
- Top-dress with compost or split nitrogen dose during flowering.
- Do not over-fertilize; excess nitrogen may reduce fruiting.
Step 7: Pest and Disease Management (Ongoing)
Monitor and act early
- Inspect plants weekly for signs of pests or disease.
- Use neem oil or organic sprays for aphids and beetles.
- Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent spread.
- Practice crop rotation to reduce soil-borne diseases.
Step 8: Training and Pruning (After 3-4 Weeks)
Encourage healthy vine growth
- Train vines along the trellis for better air circulation.
- Pinch off side shoots to focus energy on fruit production.
- Regularly remove yellowing or dead leaves.
Step 9: Harvesting (55-75 Days After Sowing)
Pick at peak tenderness
- Harvest when fruits are green, tender, and glossy.
- Use a sharp knife, leaving a small stem attached.
- Do not delay harvest – overripe fruits become tough and fibrous.
