Gourd, commonly known as Bottle Gourd, is a warm-season climbing vegetable plant cultivated for its elongated fruits and vigorous vine growth. The plant produces trailing vines with large green leaves and white flowers that develop into smooth gourds during the growing season. Bottle gourd grows best in warm temperatures with full sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. It is commonly planted in vegetable gardens and trellised garden spaces where the vines can spread or climb and produce fruits during the warm growing period.
Features
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Warm-season climbing vegetable plant with vigorous vine growth
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Produces elongated fruits during the growing season
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Suitable for trellises, garden beds, and open garden planting
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Adapted to warm climates with full sunlight
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Large leafy vines that spread or climb on supports
Specifications
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Scientific Name: Lagenaria siceraria
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Common Name (US): Bottle Gourd
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Seed Type / Variety: Vegetable seeds
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Growth Habit: Climbing annual vine
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USDA Zones: 9 to 11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)
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Planting Season: Spring after last frost
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Growing Season: Late spring through summer
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Sowing Season:
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Zones 9 to 11: February to April
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Zones 3 to 8: April to June
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Germination Time and Conditions: 7 to 14 days at 24 to 30 C in moist, well-drained soil
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Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
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Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained sandy or loamy soil
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Watering Needs: Moderate watering to maintain evenly moist soil
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Mature Plant Size: 8 to 15 feet vine length; 4 to 6 feet spread
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Plant Spacing: 36 to 48 inches between plants
