Overview

Alkarty Round Gourd Seeds yield healthy, round, pale green gourds that are popularly used in Indian cooking. Round gourd (*Tinda*) is a summer vegetable that is appreciated for its light, digestible properties and its quick-growing nature. It is ideal for kitchen gardens and small-scale farming.

Uses

• Culinary: Commonly used in curries, stews, and stuffed vegetable dishes. Known for its mild flavor and quick cooking time.
• Nutritional: Low in calories, high in water content, and a good source of fiber and vitamins like A and C.
• Health Benefits: Aids digestion, supports weight loss, and helps in cooling the body during hot seasons.

How to Grow

• Climate: Grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 25–35°C.
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5.
• Sowing Season: Spring and early monsoon (February–May and June–July).
• Sowing Method: Direct sowing in raised beds or large containers. Space plants adequately to allow spread.
• Sowing Depth: 2–3 cm deep.
• Spacing: 60–75 cm between plants.
• Germination: 6–10 days.
• Sunlight: Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting stages.
• Fertilizing: Add compost or well-decomposed manure before sowing. Apply organic liquid fertilizer or balanced NPK fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Pests & Diseases: Watch for aphids, fruit flies, and fungal infections. Use neem oil or organic pesticides as needed.
• Support: Can be grown on a trellis to improve air circulation and ease of harvest.

Harvesting

• Harvest 50–60 days after sowing when fruits are young and tender (approx. cricket ball size).
• Do not allow gourds to over-ripen, as they become fibrous and less tasty.
• Frequent harvesting promotes more fruiting.

Quick Reference Table