How to Grow Chieh Qua (Hairy Gourd)? Planting Methods and Timing Explained

SummaryGrowing methods: Wax gourd can be planted at a reasonable density in a spot with good drainage and irrigation, an ample water source, and shelter from the wind with full sun. Before planting, make beds 2 m wide. Right after planting, water immediately and then cover with plastic film. If nighttime temperatures are low, cover with straw. When the vines begin to run, fertilizer and water can be applied; before that, no watering is needed. Once the second wax gourd has formed, top-dressing is required. When tendrils appear, set up a trellis to train the vines, and prune and shape the plants. Planting time: spring from January to March, summer from April to June, and autumn from July to August.

1. Planting Time for Wax Gourd

In southern China, wax gourd is sown from January to March in spring, with harvest around April to July; sown from April to June in summer, with harvest around June to October; and sown from July to August in autumn, with harvest around September to November.

2. Site Selection and Planting

1. Wax gourd should be grown in a spot with an ample water source, no disease, shelter from the wind with full sun, and good drainage and irrigation.

2. Before planting wax gourd, first make beds about 2 m wide in the soil; the space between beds can accommodate about two rows of wax gourd, with planting holes spaced about 45 cm apart, up to two plants per planting hole, and no more than about 3,000 plants per mu.

3. After planting, water immediately, then cover with a layer of plastic film. As nighttime temperatures are relatively low, a layer of straw can be spread on top to help keep warmth.

3. Water and Fertilizer Management

1. After wax gourd is planted, water it right away; no watering is needed until the vines begin to run. When the wax gourd begins to run, fertilizer and water can be applied as appropriate, with about 150 jin of diammonium phosphate per mu. When the first wax gourd grows to 15 cm, the water requirement is fairly high; to keep the soil constantly moist, water regularly.

2. After the second wax gourd has grown, top-dressing can be applied as appropriate to meet the nutrients the wax gourd needs for growth.

4. Shaping and Training the Vines

1. While growing wax gourd, always keep the plants growing well and shape them as appropriate. If tendrils appear on the wax gourd, be sure to set up a trellis and train the vines in time.

2. Usually, to promote rapid plant growth, wax gourd is trellised in a “” (person) shape, which also helps prevent and control some pests and diseases. Before the fruiting stage, to prevent nutrient loss, all side vines growing from the base of the main vine should be removed. In the late fruiting stage, remove all side vines on the lower part of the plant and keep only the side vines on the middle and upper parts, which helps increase yield.   

5. Timely Harvest

1. Wax gourd should not be harvested too early or too late. If harvested too late, the wax gourd becomes overripe, which makes it prone to pests and diseases and to splitting, and it may even miss the selling window. If harvested too early, the wax gourd is not ripe enough, which affects quality and reduces returns.

2. Generally, wax gourd is harvested about 1-2 months after the first flower opens. The harvest time can be decided based on market demand, degree of ripeness, and consumers' eating habits. For example, if more people prefer tender gourds, they can be harvested and sold once they reach about 1 jin.