🌱 How to Grow Bottle Gourd (Long Lauki/Sorakkai) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: लौकी / घीया

• Tamil: சுரைக்காய்

• Telugu: సొరకాయ

• Malayalam: ചുരക്ക

• Kannada: ಸೊರೆಕಾಯಿ

• English: Bottle Gourd (Long)

• Botanical name: Lagenaria siceraria

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season climber

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring-Summer: Jan–Mar

  • Monsoon: Jun–Jul (with good drainage)

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 35°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Sandy loam, loose, well-drained

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Enrich with compost, cow dung manure, neem cake before planting

• Ensure deep, loose soil for healthy root development

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: Leave 3–4 feet between plants

  • Containers: Use 18–24 inch pots, sow 2–3 seeds and thin to 1–2 healthy seedlings

• Soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours before sowing for better germination

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting

• Avoid waterlogging — ensure good drainage

• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 6–10 days

• Provide full sunlight and warmth

• Thin seedlings if crowded

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm, humid climates

• Use a trellis, bamboo pole, or net for vine support — improves airflow and fruit shape

7. Fertilization

• Add compost every 15–20 days

• During flowering: Use banana peel compost or seaweed extract

• Avoid overuse of nitrogen — leads to more leaves, fewer fruits

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, fruit flies, red pumpkin beetles

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Keep plant base clean and remove infected leaves early

9. Harvesting

• First gourds ready in 50–60 days

• Harvest when fruits are light green, tender, 12–18 inches long

• Cut gently with a knife or scissors

• Don’t let fruits overgrow — it reduces future yield

10. Regrow Tip

• Allow one fruit to fully mature and dry

• Scoop out seeds, wash, and dry in shade

• Store seeds in cool, dry place for next season

🥒 Health Benefits of Bottle Gourd

• High in water content (90%) — excellent for hydration

• Rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants

• Supports digestion, weight loss, and liver health

• Cooling effect — great summer vegetable