Andrew holding Thai Bottle Gourds in growing patch
Gourd Seeds, Thai Bottle (round)
Andrew holding Thai Bottle Gourds in growing patch
Gourd Seeds, Thai Bottle (round)

Gourd Seeds,
Thai Bottle (round)

4.89 ReviewsSKU: #ED101Min. seed count: 10
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Regular price $4.00
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Description

65-70 Days. Delicious and easy to grow, bottle-shaped gourds are great picked small, 4-6 inches and stir-fried, curried, boiled, and in soup. They are used much like common zucchini. Very easy to grow with good disease resistance. The seeds can be used to make a vegetable curd similar to soybean tofu.

Growing Tips: Trellising is suitable. Provide full sun, ample moisture, rich soil and a lot of heat. Pick after first frost; dry indoors, or outdoors under cover.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Lagenaria siceraria
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
65
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

At 65 to 70 days, Thai Bottle Gourd is one of the quicker gourds to come in, so in most gardens you can simply direct sow once the soil has warmed to about 70°F. Where the season is short, start seed indoors about three weeks before the last frost and move plants out after frost has passed. Set seed 1 inch deep; at 75–90°F it comes up in 3 to 10 days. Give each plant 18 to 24 inches in good, well-drained soil, keep it well watered, and put a trellis up early — the vines climb readily and are far easier to manage off the ground.

How to Sow and Plant

  • In longer-season areas, you can sow seeds directly in the garden once soil has warmed to about 70 degrees.
  • Growers with a shorter growing season should start seeds indoors three weeks before last frost.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 75-90 F.
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
  • Gourds can have spotty germination; be sure to plant seeds in good soil with plenty of organic matter.
  • Be patient; seeds can sometimes take up to three weeks to germinate!

How to Grow

  • Set plants out into good, well-drained soil after frost has passed.
  • Set plants 24 inches apart; they will climb and trail, so be prepared for a garden takeover!
  • Keep plants well-watered.
  • Gourds are grown much like squash, and thanks to their tough skin, they are often better at fighting off pests than other cucurbits.
  • A thick layer of mulch is absolutely crucial; the vines will be very difficult to keep weeded once they start trailing. Mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Although they are better at fending off pests than other squash relatives, gourds can be susceptible to a virus called cucumber mosaic virus, which is spread by cucumber beetle damage. To avoid the virus, keep cucumber beetles off of your plants.
  • Kaolin clay is an organic method for deterring cucumber beetles.
  • Beneficials like ladybugs and beneficial nematodes will also help to keep the pests at bay.

How to Save Seeds

  • Gourds are easily cross-pollinated, so it is advisable to isolate different seed-saving varieties up to 1⁄2 mile to ensure seed purity.
  • A minimum of 15 plants of each variety should be grown to avoid inbreeding issues. Harvest fruit before it has dried out when it is still green in color but has developed a tough skin.
  • Scoop seeds to dry; they will remain viable for about 4 years when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

FAQ

When should I pick Thai Bottle Gourd?

Pick the bottle-shaped fruits small, at 4 to 6 inches. At that size they are used much like common zucchini — stir-fried, curried, boiled, or added to soup.

Is this an easy gourd for a beginner?

It is very easy to grow and has good disease resistance. Trellising is suitable, and the vines want full sun, ample moisture, rich soil and a lot of heat. A thick layer of mulch is crucial, since the trailing vines are very hard to weed once they run.

Is there any use for the seeds?

Yes — the seeds can be used to make a vegetable curd similar to soybean tofu.

Customer reviews

4.8 / 5 9 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Pest-free vines: Shrugs off vine borers and bugs that strip other squash.

  • Produces all season: Vigorous vines set gourd after gourd for the whole season.

  • Thrives in heat: Does well in hot, humid Florida and wet Hawaii summers.

  • Mild squash flavor: Tastes like a firm zucchini; pick young and stir-fry.

  • Give it room: Vines run 20 feet or more and climb anything nearby.

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