Sponge Gourd (Black Seeds) Desi Vegetable Seeds

Product Description

• Germination Time: 7-14 days
• Sunlight Requirement: 6-8 hours per day, in full sun
• Ideal Climate for Sowing: All season crop; suitable for warm climates
• Plant Height: 6-8 feet
• Organic Fertilizer Requirement: 1-2 cups of decomposed cow dung or vermicompost per plant per week
• Life Span: 4-5 months
• Ideal Growing Temperature: 25-35°C
• Harvesting Time: 60-70 days after sowing
• Maintenance Required: Low to moderate
• Ideal Grow Bag Size: 12x12 grow bag, 12x24 grow bag, 24x24x12 rectangular grow bag, 36x24x12 grow bed
• Number of Seeds: 15-20 Seeds

Specifications of Sponge Gourd (Black Seeds) Desi Vegetable Seeds

Sponge gourd, known for its unique texture and culinary uses, is a warm-season crop cultivated for its edible fruits. It grows well in warm climates and can be grown in grow bags, pots, or directly in the ground with proper spacing to prevent fungal issues.

Benefits / Uses of Sponge Gourd

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, iron, and magnesium
• High in dietary fiber and low in calories, suitable for various culinary preparations
• Provides natural sponges when mature, used traditionally for cleaning and scrubbing

Planting and Care for Sponge Gourd

• Sowing Sponge Gourd Seeds: Sow seeds in well-drained, fertile soil, planting them 1 inch deep. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Growing Sponge Gourd: Requires regular watering and a trellis or support for vines to climb. Prune to encourage fruiting and airflow, reducing risk of fungal diseases.
• Harvesting Sponge Gourd: Harvest fruits when young and tender, typically 60-70 days after sowing. Use a sharp knife to cut fruits from the vine without damaging the plant.

Precautions While Growing Sponge Gourd

• Use nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and adequate spacing between plants to promote healthy growth.
• Monitor for pests such as aphids and cucumber beetles, and treat with organic insecticides if necessary.
• Ensure vines have adequate support to prevent damage from heavy fruits and promote optimal growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Vulnerable to pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew; maintain good airflow and use organic fungicides as needed.
• Address nutrient deficiencies with organic fertilizers like compost or balanced vegetable fertilizers.

Other Names

• Botanical Name: Luffa acutangula
• Tamil: பீர்க்கங்காய் (Pīrkkangkāy)
• Malayalam: പീര (Pīr)
• Kannada: ಹೊಸಲು ಸಮುದ್ರ (Hosalu samudra)
• Telugu: దొంగలు (Doṅgalu)
• Marathi: घोशीमर (Ghōśīmar)
• Hindi: घीया (Ghīyā)
• Bengali: ঝিঙা (Jhiṅā)

No. of Sponge Gourd Seeds in a Packet

• 15-20 seeds