Discover the joy of growing your own Bottle Gourd (Calabash) with our premium Bottle Gourd Calabash Seeds. Also known as calabash, opo squash, or long melon, Bottle Gourd is a versatile vegetable that is not only delicious and nutritious but also has a variety of uses in crafts and cooking. This fast-growing vine produces unique, bottle-shaped fruits that can be harvested young for culinary use or allowed to mature and dry for decorative or functional purposes. Our high-quality seeds ensure robust growth and a bountiful harvest, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Key Features:

• Versatile Vegetable: Harvest young gourds for cooking in soups, stews, and stir-fries, or let them mature for use as containers, musical instruments, and decorations.
• Nutrient-Rich: Bottle gourds are low in calories and rich in vitamins C and B, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
• Fast-Growing Vine: This vigorous climber can cover trellises, fences, or arbors quickly, providing shade and aesthetic appeal.
• High Yield: Each plant can produce multiple gourds, ensuring a plentiful harvest.
• Easy to Grow: Suitable for a variety of growing conditions and climates, making them a great addition to any garden.

Planting Instructions:

1. Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates.

2. Timing: Plant seeds in late spring to early summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F (21°C). You can also start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

3. Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.

4. Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in hills or rows. Space hills 4-6 feet apart, or space seeds 12-18 inches apart in rows, with rows 5-6 feet apart.

5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.

Growing Conditions:

1. Light: Provide full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to ensure vigorous growth and high yields.

2. Temperature: Bottle gourds thrive in warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Protect from late frosts and cold temperatures.

3. Support: Use trellises, fences, or arbors to support the climbing vines and encourage healthy growth and fruit development.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
• Pruning: Prune the vines to control growth and encourage larger fruit production. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems.
• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting and Uses:

• Young Gourds: Harvest young, tender gourds when they are 6-12 inches long for culinary use. They have a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Mature Gourds: Allow gourds to mature and dry on the vine. Harvest when the skin is hard and the stem has dried. Mature gourds can be used for crafting into containers, musical instruments, birdhouses, and decorations.