

Bottle Gourd (لوکی یا گھیا) produces smooth, light green gourds with a mild flavor. It thrives in warm weather, full sunlight, and grows well in large pots (14-18 inches) or garden beds with a strong trellis for support. This fast-growing vine is a staple in South Asian cuisine, valued for its cooling and digestive properties.
🪴 Growing Guide
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Sowing:
- Setup: Use a seed-starting tray or small pots with seed-starting mix.
- Sow: Place seeds on the surface, press lightly, space 1 inch apart.
- Transplant: Move seedlings to separate pots when they have 2-3 true leaves.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds.
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Fertilization:
- Seedlings: NPK 20-20-20 every 7–10 days (1 tsp per 1L water)
- Fruiting: Switch to NPK 5-15-45 when flowers appear
- Sunlight: Provide as much direct sunlight as possible for optimal growth.
- Pests: Use neem oil for pest control when pests are detected.
Additional Information:
- Other Names: Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Long Melon, لوکی, گھیا, Lauki, Ghiya.
- Care Tips ⚠️: Wear gloves and a mask while handling fertilizers or neem oil.