Sponge Gourd (luffa or gilki) Seeds (गिलकी के बीज)

The sponge gourd plant produces medium-sized soft, attractive, and cylindrical vegetable that contains high fiber and minerals. Sponge gourd is a vine plant that can grow up to 30 feet tall but it is very easy to in pots with little maintenance. Buy the Best Quality Sponge gourd (Luffa or gilki) Seeds Online at the best price in India from www.organicbazar.net with a high germination rate.

About this item

• Number of Sponge Gourd seeds (gilki ke beej): 10 Seeds
• Where to grow: Balcony or terrace garden
• Growing season: Throughout the year 
• Sowing method: Direct
• Seeds sowing depth: 0.5-1 inch
• Germination Time: 7 to 14 days
• Germination temperature: 18-30°C
• Harvesting: 80 to 90 days from planting 
• Plant vigor: Strong plant

What size grow bag is best for Sponge Gourd?

• 15 x 15 Inch (W*H)
• 18 x 18 Inch (W*H)
• 24 x 24 Inch (W*H)

Sponge Gourd Growing Season In India

In India, the growing season for sponge gourd is from February to October but it grows best during the summer season. However, due to the hot and humid climate in South India, sponge gourd seeds can be sown throughout the year.

How To Grow Sponge Gourd

The sponge gourd (gilki) is a vine plant that needs more space to grow well but can easily grow easily in 15-24 inches wide and deep pots or grow bags. Develop the strong trellis support by using materials like pipes, bamboo, ropes, wires, etc., to help them grow straight and long. Sponge gourd seeds will germinate in temperatures between 18-30°C. Sow sponge gourd seeds directly in any pot/grow bag and fill them with a sowing medium. Sow 2 sponge gourd seeds at the center of a pot or grow bag about 0.5-1 inch deep in the soil. Give deep water to the soil every by using a watering can and keep maintaining moisture, the sponge gourd seeds germinated within 1-2 weeks.

How To Fertilize Sponge Gourd Plant

After 20-25 days from sponge gourd seeds sowing, add a side dressing like homemade compost or vermicompost which provide additional nutrients to the gourd plant.

Sponge Gourd Plant Care And Tips

Sunlight – Sponge gourd (Luffa) prefers full sunlight for better growth.

Water – Give water to your sponge gourd plants daily on summer days and 2 days once in the winter season; keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Soil – Use well-drained loamy soil for growing sponge gourd plants.

Temperature – Ideal temperature to grow sponge gourd is 20-32°C.

Common pests – Pests like crop bacteria, leaf spots, cucumber beetles, and downy mildew are normally found in sponge gourd plants. Use organic pesticide `Neem oil’ to protect the plant from harmful pests.

Sponge Gourd Flower And Pollination

Within 50-55 days from the seeds sowing sponge gourd plant starts flowering, the male flower appears first and the female will begin with small fruit. Gourd Plant depends on pollinators to set the fruit but sometimes it may be a problem in pollination because bees or insects are less active during the monsoon season. In such a case, hand pollination can be worked.

Sponge Gourd Harvest Time

• It will take about 80 to 90 days to harvest; you can harvest the sponge gourd during the summer, rainy, or winter seasons.
• Cut the sponge gourd at the early stage, before the skin becomes thick.

Sponge Gourd Special Features

• Common names – luffa and gilki (गिलकी)
• Scientific name – Luffa aegyptiaca
• Flower color – Yellow
• Level of growing – Easy
• Height – Up to 30 feet