🌱 How to Grow Snake Gourd from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: चिचिंडा / परोवल (Chichinda / Parwal)

• Tamil: புடலங்காய் (Pudalangai)

• Telugu: పట్లకాయ (Patlakaya)

• Malayalam: പടവലങ്ങ (Padavalanga)

• Kannada: ಪಡವಲಕಾಯಿ (Padavalakayi)

• English: Snake Gourd

• Botanical Name: Trichosanthes cucumerina

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season vegetable

• Best time to sow:

  • Summer: February–April

  • Monsoon: June–July

• Ideal temperature: 25°C to 35°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loamy soil

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in aged compost or cow dung before sowing

• Raised beds or large containers recommended for better drainage

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Pre-soak seeds in warm water for 6–8 hours

• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In-ground: 18–24 inches apart

  • In containers: Use 18–24 inch pots or grow bags

• Sow 2–3 seeds per spot, thin to retain the healthiest seedling

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting

• Avoid waterlogging

• Water at base – avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 6–10 days

• Provide warmth and sunlight for better sprouting

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Use mulch or straw to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds

• Provide support with a trellis or vertical net — vines can grow over 6–8 feet

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil at planting

• Apply banana peel tea or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid excess nitrogen — it can lead to excessive leaf growth with fewer fruits

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Fruit flies, aphids, red pumpkin beetles

• Fungal issues: Powdery mildew, downy mildew

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days

• Prune affected leaves and ensure proper air circulation

9. 🌿 Harvesting

• Harvest in 60–75 days

• Pick fruits when they are young, tender, and about 12–18 inches long

• Harvest regularly to promote more fruiting

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from fully ripened fruits

• Wash and dry seeds thoroughly

• Store in a cool, dry, airtight container

🌟 Health Benefits of Snake Gourd

• Low in calories – ideal for weight management

• High in dietary fiber – aids digestion

• Contains vitamins A, B, and C – supports immunity

• Natural detoxifier – helps cleanse the liver and blood