Bottle Gourd -seeds (round)

Description

🌾 Bottle Gourd Seed Care Guide

1. Soil Preparation:

• Grows best in well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• pH: 6.5–7.5 is ideal.
• Mix compost or farmyard manure (2–3 kg per sq. meter) before sowing.

2. Sowing:

• Soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours before planting to improve germination.
• Sow directly in grow bags or field beds.
• Depth: 2–3 cm deep.
• Spacing: 1–1.5 meters between plants and 2–3 meters between rows.

3. Watering:

• Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Reduce watering slightly as fruits mature to prevent cracking.

4. Sunlight:

• Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours daily).
• Avoid shaded areas for better fruit production.

5. Germination:

• Seeds germinate in 7–10 days under warm conditions (25–30°C).
• Maintain consistent moisture during this period.

6. Fertilizer:

• Before sowing: mix organic manure or compost.
• After 15 days of germination: apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 10:10:10 or 19:19:19) once a month.
• During flowering: add potash-rich fertilizer for better fruit setting.

7. Pests & Diseases:

• Common pests: aphids, fruit flies, and leaf miners.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, downy mildew.
• Prevent by spraying neem oil weekly and ensuring good air circulation.

8. Support & Training:

• Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
• Train the vines early for better fruit shape and to save space.

9. Harvesting:

• Fruits are ready in 60–70 days after sowing.
• Harvest when fruits are tender and light green for the best taste.