Lagenaria siceraria
TAXONOMY
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusLagenaria
Zone10
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Lagenaria siceraria, commonly known as the bottle gourd, is a climbing annual plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to tropical regions and is known for its large, hard-shelled fruits that can be used as containers or musical instruments. The plant thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates and requires a long growing season to mature.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bottle Gourd
Bushel Gourd
Calabash
Calabash Gourd
Cucumis Bicirrha
Cucumis Lagenarius
Cucumis Mairei
Pepo Lagenarius
Trochomeria Rehmannii
Cucurbita ciceraria
Cucurbita idolatrica
Cucurbita idololatrica
Cucurbita lagenaria
Cucurbita lagenaria var. oblonga
Cucurbita lagenaria var. villosa
Cucurbita leucantha
Cucurbita pyriformis
Cucurbita siceraria
Cucurbita vittata
Lagenaria bicornuta
Lagenaria cochinchinensis
Lagenaria hispida
Lagenaria idolatrica
Lagenaria lagenaria
Lagenaria leucantha
Lagenaria leucantha var. depressa
Lagenaria leucantha var. makinoi
Lagenaria leucantha var. microcarpa
Lagenaria microcarpa
Lagenaria siceraria f. depressa
Lagenaria siceraria var. depressa
Lagenaria siceraria var. laevisperma
Lagenaria siceraria var. microcarpa
Lagenaria siceraria var. siceraria
Lagenaria vittata
Lagenaria vulgaris
Lagenaria vulgaris subsp. afrikana
Lagenaria vulgaris subsp. asiatica
Lagenaria vulgaris var. clavata
Lagenaria vulgaris var. depressa
Lagenaria vulgaris var. gourda
Lagenaria vulgaris var. microcarpa
OVERVIEW
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,800
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Bottle gourd plants require bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. They thrive in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. The plant benefits from a sturdy support structure to climb on.Harvest
Lagenaria siceraria, commonly known as the bottle gourd, should be harvested when the fruits reach their full size and the skin hardens, typically 120 days after planting. Harvesting is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to the gourd. Handle the gourds carefully to avoid bruising, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for a few weeks if they are intended for use as containers or crafts.Soil
Bottle gourd prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moderately moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other water-related issues.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 is ideal for bottle gourd. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development.Repotting
Bottle gourd plants can be repotted if necessary, especially if they outgrow their current container. Repotting should be done in the early stages of growth, ensuring that the new container has good drainage and is filled with nutrient-rich soil.Propagation
Bottle gourd is typically propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds in a warm, sunny location after the last frost. The seeds should be planted about an inch deep in well-draining soil. Germination usually occurs within a week or two.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for bottle gourd plants to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems, and trim back excessive growth to maintain a manageable size and shape.Toxicity
Bottle gourd is not toxic to pets or humans. However, the fruits should be fully mature and properly prepared before consumption to avoid any potential bitterness or toxicity.Additional
Bottle gourd plants can benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is also important to ensure healthy growth. The plant's fruits can be harvested when they reach the desired size and are fully mature.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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