bottle gourd
Lagenaria siceraria
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
green,yellow,white Fruits Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bottle gourd plants should be watered regularly, approximately 1-2 times per week, depending on soil moisture. When watering, provide enough water to ensure the soil is evenly moist but not saturated, as too much moisture can cause root rot. In general, when the top inch of soil is dry, it is a good time to water. Water in the morning, so that any excess moisture can evaporate over the course of the day. Additionally, adding mulch to the soil can help to retain moisture and reduce how often you have to water.
sunlight
The amount and timing of sunlight required for bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) will depend upon a number of factors, such as the climate in which the plant is grown and the stage of development. Generally, bottle gourd requires full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown outdoors, it should ideally be located in a spot that gets direct sun for most of the day. During the warmer months (e.g. mid-summer to early fall), plants in cold climates may need some protection from the direct sun and should be located in a spot that gets more partial shade. During the cooler months (e.g. late fall to early spring), bottle gourd will appreciate the extra sunlight and should be located in a spot that gets more direct sun. As bottle gourd is a tender plant, it should be grown in containers indoors or in a greenhouse if outdoors where the temperature can be regulated.
pruning
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) should be pruned when it is young and/or its foliage begins to become crowded. Depending on the variety, pruning can begin in late spring or early summer. If you prune once or twice during the growing season, the plant will remain open and airy and will also maintain a more manageable size. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears and only a few inches of the stem should be removed at a time. Pruning is best done in the morning when the plant has yet to gather its full day's energy. Once the plant has borne fruit, some of the flowers should be removed in order to ensure successful pollination. Heavy pruning should be avoided and only the obviously dead, diseased or damaged shoots should be removed.
