How to Grow Small Gourds: Planting Methods and Key Techniques (with Planting Times)

SummaryPlanting time: In northern regions, sow in March-April; in southern regions, sow from late February to early March. Seed soaking and sprouting: Select new seeds that are plump and have a high germination rate, then soak and sprout them for 8-10 days. Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown 3-4 leaves, they can be transplanted. Trellising: When the seedlings reach 25cm, a trellis should be set up. Hand pollination: If bees help with pollination, this step can be skipped. Water and fertilizer: After fruit set, increase fertilizer and water.

1. Planting Time

1. Small gourds can be planted in spring or autumn. For spring planting, the time generally needs to be determined by temperature. In northern regions, it is recommended to start sowing in March-April, while southern regions warm up earlier, so it is recommended to sow from late February to early March.

2. For autumn planting, it is recommended to sow in the open field in August-September, because temperatures are relatively high during this period and there is also more rain, so small gourd seedlings grow relatively quickly. Therefore, the planting density differs somewhat and should be lower than for spring sowing.

2. Seed Soaking and Sprouting

You need to select new seeds from the current year that are plump and have a high germination rate; aged seeds are not suitable. Then place the selected small gourd seeds in hot water at 70°C to scald them briefly, then stir. When the water temperature drops to 30°C, continue soaking and sprouting for 8-10 days. When most of the small gourd seeds show white tips, they can be sown.

3. Transplanting

Generally, after sowing, when the small gourd seedlings have grown 3-4 leaves, they can be transplanted. Choosing the right time for transplanting is important. Try to choose a sunny day for transplanting, as this shortens the recovery period and helps the plants start growing earlier. Before transplanting, water the seedbed thoroughly to avoid root damage.

4. Trellising

The small gourd is a vine plant. When the seedlings reach 25cm, a trellis should be set up to make it easier for them to twine and grow. It is not recommended to tie the vines on cloudy or rainy days, to avoid breakage caused by too much moisture.

5. Hand Pollination

To increase the fruit set rate of small gourds, hand pollination is needed. If bees help with pollination, this step can be skipped.

6. Water and Fertilizer

Small gourds do not need much fertilizer or water in the early stage of growth. After fruit set, increase fertilizer and water. The specific application should be reasonable according to the growth conditions of the small gourds and the season.

7. Harvesting

After small gourds mature, they should be harvested immediately to avoid strong winds blowing them to the ground and breaking them. Generally, when the skin of the small gourd turns white and there is no fuzz, it means it has matured. There are many varieties of small gourds, and their sizes and shapes also differ to some extent. Common shapes include club-shaped, bottle-shaped, and dolphin-shaped. In the past, small gourds were often used as vessels for holding liquor or storing things.