How to Plant Gourd Seeds: A Detailed Guide to the Planting Method

The gourd is an annual climbing herbaceous plant of the Cucurbitaceae family and the genus Lagenaria, monoecious, with vines reaching up to 15 m, and it is very popular among people in the antique market; aged ornamental gourds fetch a high price. So how should gourd seeds be planted?

1. How to Plant Gourd Seeds

Before sowing gourd seeds, you can soak the seeds in 30°C water for 8-12 hours, then wrap the seeds well in moist coarse gauze and place them in a sunny spot at 25-30°C. They generally sprout in about 7-10 days; when the sprout has grown to about 2 mm, transplant it to a nursery bed or a pot. When sowing, place the sprout pointing downward, cover with a thin layer of fine soil, then cover tightly with clear plastic film or a glass pane; with warmth and moisture retained, the seedlings will break through the soil in about 7 days.

The best sowing time for gourds is generally around Grain Rain. After sowing, when the vine has grown to about 1 m tall, pinch off the growing tip at the 3rd-4th leaf counting up from the base. Because gourds have the habit of bearing fruit on side branches, this allows the lower side branches to emerge earlier and set fruit earlier, and lowers the height of the trellis, making it easier to view. Generally, after the side branch shoots grow out, they can form flower buds once they have 3-4 leaves.

2. Gourd Care

1. Light management: It likes good sunlight, but can also tolerate weak light; it is best to choose a sunny spot for planting, and usually let the plant receive as much sunlight as possible. If the environment is too shady, it will affect the growth of the seedlings and fruit.

2. Water and fertilizer management: Combine topdressing with leveling the empty ridges and laying down straw; when the main vine has grown to about 50 cm, apply 100—250 grams of urea per plant along with irrigation. Do not place the topdressing too close to the main root, to prevent burning the roots. During the flowering and fruiting period, the water requirement is high, but after the fruit develops, too much water should not be given.

3. Temperature management: It is a warmth-loving plant and can grow well at 20°C-25°C. At low temperatures it produces more flowers, but the fruit-setting rate is relatively low.

4. Pest management: The main diseases and pests of gourds are powdery mildew and aphids. After disease occurs, try to change the ventilation and light conditions and apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer; in severe cases, spray pesticide for treatment.

That is all for the main planting and care methods for gourds. When growing gourds, you must be extra patient to prevent death caused by neglect.