SPONGE GOURD
DESCRIPTION
The sponge gourd is also called luffa or gilki in India and
is one of the popular gourds. The plant produces medium-sized soft, attractive,
and cylindrical vegetable that contains high fiber and minerals.
Sponge gourd is a vine plant that
can grow up to 30 feet tall but it is very easy to in pots with little
maintenance. Buy the Best Quality Sponge Gourd Light Green F1 Hybrid (Chikni
Tori Type) Seeds Online at the best price in India from www.storeflix.in with a high germination rate.
About
this item
- Number of Light Green Sponge Gourd seeds (gilki ke
bij): 15 Seeds
- Growing season: Throughout the year
- Where to grow: Balcony or terrace garden
- Mode of sowing: Sow the seeds 0.5 inches deep in a
Container, or Pots.
- Germination Time: 7 to 14 days from sowing
- Germination temperature: 18-30°C
- Harvesting: 80 to 90 days from planting
- Plant vigor: Strong plant
What
size grow bag is best for Sponge Gourd?
Sponge
Gourd Growing Season In India
In India, the growing season for
sponge gourd is from February to October but it grows best during the summer
season. However, due to the hot and humid climate in South India, sponge gourd
seeds can be sown throughout the year.
How
To Grow Sponge Gourd
The sponge gourd (gilki) is a vine
plant that needs more space to grow well but can easily grow in pots or grow bags easily
(15-24 inches) wide and deep. Develop the strong trellis support by using
materials like pipes, bamboo, ropes, wires, etc., to help them grow straight
and long. Luffa or Sponge gourd seeds are usually hard to germinate so you can
soak the seeds which will help you to germinate fast but can direct sowing
seeds and keep the soil moist for quick germination. Sponge gourd seeds will
germinate in temperatures between 18-30°C.
Sponge
Gourd Seeds Sowing Method
Sow sponge gourd seeds directly in
any pot/grow bag and fill them with a sowing medium. Sown 2 seeds at the center
of a pot or grow bag about 0.5-1 inch deep in the soil. Give deep water to your
seedlings every day by using a watering can
and keep maintaining moisture, the sponge gourd seeds germinated within 1-2
weeks (depending on growing condition). Keep the pot in a place where the gourd
seedling receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.
How
To Fertilize Sponge Gourd Plant
After 20-25 days from sponge gourd
seeds sowing, add a side dressing like homemade compost or vermicompost which provide additional nutrients to the gourd plant.
Sponge
Gourd Plant Care And Tips
Sunlight – Sponge gourd (Luffa) prefers full
sunlight for better growth.
Water – Give water to your sponge gourd plants daily on summer
days and 2 days once in the winter season; keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Soil – Use well-drained loamy soil for growing
sponge gourd plants.
Temperature – Ideal temperature to grow sponge gourd
is 20-32°C.
Common pests – Pests like crop bacteria, leaf spots,
cucumber beetles, and downy mildew are normally found in sponge gourd plants.
Use organic pesticide neem oil to
protect the plant from harmful pests.
Sponge
Gourd Harvest Time
- Within 50-55 days from the seeds sowing sponge gourd
plant starts flowering.
- It will take about 80 to 90 days to harvest; you can
harvest the sponge gourd during the summer, rainy, or winter seasons.
- Cut the sponge gourd at the early stage, before the
skin becomes thick; if you find any ripe sponge gourd just pluck it
directly from your hand or with the help of a pruning scissor.
Sponge
Gourd Special Features
- Common names – luffa and gilki (गिलकी)
- Scientific name – Luffa aegyptiaca
- Flower color – Yellow
- Level of growing – Easy
- Height – Up to 30 feet
FAQ
Why
is my sponge gourd getting wilting?
Overwatering is the main reason
behind wilting; so avoid Over watering and keep the soil moist.
Why
are my sponge gourd seeds not germinating?
Improper soil, temperature, Over
watering, or under watering can be the main reason for not germinating sponge
gourd seeds.
