Bottle Gourd, commonly known as لوکی (Lauki), is a warm-season vegetable recognized for its smooth green fruits and mild taste. It is widely used in everyday cooking, especially in curries and simple home dishes. This climbing vine can be trained on support, making it suitable for pots, grow bags, or open soil. Originating from Africa, it has been cultivated for over 10,000 years and spread to Asia and other parts of the world.

Quick Info:

• Best Sowing Time: February–April
• Germination Time: 7–10 days
• Harvest Time: 60–70 days after sowing
• Pot Size: At least 12–14 inch grow bag or container

🪴 Growing Guide

1. Sowing:
   1. Setup: Use a seed-starting tray or small pots with seed-starting mix.
   2. Sow: Place seeds on the surface, press lightly, space 1 inch apart.
   3. Transplant: Move seedlings to separate pots when they have 2-3 true leaves.
2. Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds.
3. Fertilization:
   1. Seedlings: NPK 20-20-20 every 7–10 days (1 tsp per 1L water)
   2. Fruiting: Switch to NPK 5-15-45 when flowers appear
4. Sunlight: Provide as much direct sunlight as possible for optimal growth.
5. Pests: Use neem oil for pest control when pests are detected.

Local Tips

• Provide overhead support like mesh or bamboo arches for better yield
• Water regularly but avoid soggy soil
• Harvest when fruits are 12–15 inches long and still soft
• Don’t let fruits overmature — this reduces new flowering

FAQs

How many seeds should I sow in a 14-inch pot?
Sow 2–3 seeds evenly spaced. After germination, keep the healthiest single plant for stronger root and fruit development.

Can I direct sow these seeds in rooftop pots?
Yes — direct sowing works best. Bottle gourd doesn’t transplant well due to delicate root systems.

How can I boost fruit set in hot weather?
Ensure regular watering and avoid excess nitrogen once flowering starts. Switch to NPK 5-15-45 to promote fruiting.

Additional Information:

• Other Names: Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Long Melon, لوکی, گھیا, Lauki, Ghiya.
• Care Tips ⚠️: Wear gloves and a mask while handling fertilizers or neem oil.