ridge gourd

🌿 Ridge Gourd Seed Sowing Guide

Soil requirement: Well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter. pH between 6.5 – 7.5.

Soil preparation: Plough the soil 2–3 times, add FYM/vermicompost for fertility. Raised beds or pits work best.

Sowing season:

Summer crop: Jan–March

Monsoon crop: June–July

Winter crop: Oct–Nov (in South India)

Seed treatment: Soak seeds in water for 12–24 hrs or treat with Trichoderma to improve germination.

Sowing method:

Sow 2–3 seeds per pit at 2–3 cm depth.

Maintain spacing of 1.5 m x 1.5 m (for creeper growth).

Watering: Light irrigation after sowing, then once every 5–6 days (avoid waterlogging).

Support: Provide trellis/bamboo pandal for vines to climb – gives better yield and quality fruits.

Germination: Takes 7–10 days.

Harvesting: First picking in 60–70 days, then continuous harvesting for 2–3 months.