Overview

Bottle Gourd (*Lagenaria siceraria*), also known as Lauki, Doodhi, or Calabash, is a nutritious and fast-growing vegetable. Alkarty Bottle Gourd Long Seeds produce vigorous vines and long, uniform, light green fruits. This variety is ideal for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Uses

• Culinary: Used in a variety of Indian dishes like sabzi, dal, kofta, soups, and juices. It has a mild flavor and soft texture.
• Medicinal: Rich in water and fiber, helps in digestion, hydration, weight loss, and cooling the body.
• Cultural: The dried gourd shell is sometimes used to make musical instruments, containers, and utensils.

How to Grow

• Climate: Warm season crop. Ideal temperature: 25–35°C.
• Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.5.
• Sowing: Soak seeds for 6–8 hours. Sow directly in ground or in grow bags, 1 inch deep, 2–3 seeds per spot.
• Spacing: 60–90 cm between plants; rows 1.5 m apart.
• Germination Time: 7–10 days.
• Support: Use a trellis or support system for better growth and straight fruits.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Regular watering to keep the soil moist; avoid waterlogging.
• Fertilization: Use organic compost or balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks.
• Pest & Disease Management: Watch for aphids, fruit borers, and powdery mildew. Use neem oil or safe organic sprays.

Harvesting

• Fruits are ready for harvest in about 50–70 days.
• Harvest when fruits are young, tender, and 25–50 cm long depending on variety.
• Use a knife or scissor to cut the stem without damaging the vine.

Quick Reference Table