GardenHow to grow bottle gourd (lauki)
लौकी. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, June and July
South and coastal IndiaJune and July, November to January
HillsApril and May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 2 cm
- Spacing
- One plant per container
- In a pot
- A large tub or grow bag of 40 litres or more, with a trellis or a roof to climb
- Sprouts in
- 6 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 55 to 70 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Give the vine something strong to climb: a trellis, a net or the terrace railing. Fruits that hang grow straight.
- The vine has separate male and female flowers. If small fruits turn yellow and fall, move pollen from a male flower to a female one with a soft brush in the evening.
- Pinch the tip of the main vine when it is about two metres long, to encourage side branches, which bear more female flowers.
What can go wrong
Fruit flies sting young fruits, which then rot. Cover young fruits with paper bags, and collect and destroy fallen fruits.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is bottle gourd sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for bottle gourd are February and March, June and July.
How long does bottle gourd take to grow?
Usually 55 to 70 days.
Can bottle gourd be grown in a pot?
Yes. A large tub or grow bag of 40 litres or more, with a trellis or a roof to climb.