GardenHow to grow ridge gourd (tori)
तोरी. 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, December and 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 or two plants per container
- In a pot
- A tub or grow bag of 30 litres or more, with a trellis
- Sprouts in
- 6 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 50 to 60 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Ridge gourd grows fastest in the monsoon. The rainy-season crop needs the least care.
- Pick the fruits young, when a fingernail still goes easily into the skin.
- Leave one fruit to dry on the vine at the end of the season. Its fibre makes a bath scrubber and its seeds are next year's crop.
What can go wrong
Powdery white coating on the leaves is powdery mildew. Remove the worst leaves, water only at the base and give the vine more air.
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 ridge gourd sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for ridge gourd are February and March, June and July.
How long does ridge gourd take to grow?
Usually 50 to 60 days.
Can ridge gourd be grown in a pot?
Yes. A tub or grow bag of 30 litres or more, with a trellis.