Grow Chemical-Free Bottle Gourd on Your Rooftop or Garden – From Sowing to Harvesting

Grown Bottle Gourd

Krishi Dunia

• 03 Feb, 2025 10:06 AM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:43 PM

Nowadays, most vegetables available in the market contain high amounts of chemicals and pesticides, which can be harmful to health. However, if you grow bottle gourd (lauki) at home, it will be 100% organic, and the joy of consuming freshly harvested vegetables is unmatched. Bottle gourd requires minimal effort to cultivate and offers a good yield.

Best Time to Grow Bottle Gourd:

Bottle gourd thrives in warm and humid climates. The ideal time for sowing is between February and June. If you plant seeds in February or March, you can start harvesting fresh bottle gourds by April.

Selecting Seeds and Sowing Process:

• Choose high-quality organic seeds to ensure healthy plant growth.
• Soak the seeds in water for 8-10 hours to speed up germination.
• Sow the seeds in small pots, trays, or cocopeat, and maintain slight moisture.
• Seedlings will start emerging within 7-10 days.

Providing the Right Environment:

Bottle gourd requires 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so place the plant in a well-lit area. If growing in pots, use containers or grow bags with a capacity of 30-40 liters to allow the vine to spread properly. Mix organic fertilizers like cow dung manure, vermicompost, or kitchen compost into the soil to enhance fertility.

Plant Care and Maintenance: During summer, water the plant twice a day (morning and evening), but avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot. Apply organic fertilizers like cow dung manure, vermicompost, or mustard cake every 15-20 days.

Since bottle gourd vines grow long, they need proper support. Use bamboo sticks, wires, or a trellis to support the plant; otherwise, weak vines may lead to poor fruit production.

Harvesting and Usage:

• Bottle gourds can be harvested 50-60 days after sowing.
• Pick them when they are light green and have soft skin.
• Overripe bottle gourds develop hard seeds and lose their taste.

Benefits of Home-Grown Bottle Gourd:

Home-grown bottle gourd is 100% organic, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Rich in fiber and essential nutrients, it promotes better digestion and overall health.

Even if you don’t have land, you can easily grow bottle gourd in pots or grow bags. Once sown, the plant continues to produce fresh gourds throughout the season, reducing the need for market purchases. So why wait? Plant bottle gourd seeds today and enjoy fresh, chemical-free vegetables right at home!