Sponge Gourd (White Seeds Desi)

Product Description

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

Specifications of Sponge Gourd Seeds

Sponge gourd, also known as Luffa, is cultivated for its fibrous interior which can be used as a natural sponge. It thrives in warm climates and is suitable for growing in various containers or directly in the ground, provided there is good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Benefits / Uses of Sponge Gourd

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
• Fibrous interior can be used as a natural sponge for cleaning purposes
• Open-pollinated seeds allow for reuse from harvested sponge gourds

Planting and Care for Sponge Gourd

• Sowing Sponge Gourd Seeds: Sow seeds in moist soil, 1 inch deep, ensuring the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
• Growing Sponge Gourd: Requires warm temperatures and regular moisture. Ensure the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting.
• Harvesting Sponge Gourd: Ready for harvest in 60-70 days. Harvest when the gourd reaches a length of 12-18 inches for best quality sponges.

Precautions While Growing Sponge Gourd

• Use well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5.
• Control pests and diseases such as powdery mildew and aphids with appropriate treatments.
• Maintain good airflow around plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and root rot in waterlogged soils.
• Monitor for yellowing leaves or stunted growth, which may indicate nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations.

Other Names

• Botanical Name: Luffa cylindrica
• Tamil: பீர்க்கங்காய் (Pīrkkangkāy)
• Malayalam: പീർക്ക (Pīr̥kka)
• Kannada: ಹೆಸರು ಹುಳಿ (Hesaru huḷi)
• Telugu: సొరకాయ (Sorakāya)
• Marathi: घोसाळे (Ghosāḷē)
• Hindi: घीया (Ghīyā)
• Bengali: ঝিংগে (Jhinge)

No. of Sponge Gourd Seeds in a Packet

• 20+ seeds