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Lagenaria siceraria

लौकीVine

Calabash, also known as bottle gourd, white-flowered gourd, long melon, birdhouse gourd, New Guinea bean, New Guinea butter bean, Tasmania bean, zucca melon and opo squash, is a vine which is grown for its fruit. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, is native to tropical Africa, and cultivated across the tropics. It can be either harvested young to be consumed as a vegetable, or harvested mature to be dried and used as a kitchen utensil, beverage container or a musical instrument. When it is fresh, the fruit has a light green smooth skin and white flesh.

FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusLagenaria
NativeAfrica
LifespanAnnual

Soil & Fertilizer Guide

The right soil and nutrients help your Bottle Gourd thrive and grow steadily.

Best Soil for Bottle Gourd

Choose a soil mix with the right balance of drainage, nutrition, and texture.

Well DrainedHealthy roots

Prevents root rot and waterlogging

Nutrient-richGrowth & blooms

Supports healthy growth and strong roots

Balanced pHBalanced pH

Ideal pH for nutrient absorption.

Loamy textureBalanced

Balanced texture with organic matter and drainage.

Soil Mix Recipe

A recommended mix for Bottle Gourd, based on the available soil data.

40%Garden SoilBase structure
+
30%CocopeatMoisture retention
+
20%CompostOrganic nutrients
+
10%Perlite/SandDrainage

Fertilizer Guide

Use the fertilizer options from this plant's soil guide and adjust by season.

Organic Fertilizers
    Liquid Fertilizers
      Chemical Fertilizers
        Balanced NPK for Bottle GourdApply during active growth and reduce in winter.Ideal Ratio N:P:K = Balanced

        Feeding Schedule

        Adjust based on season, plant age, and growth.

        SpringMar - May

        Adjust based on growth

        As needed
        SummerJun - Aug

        Adjust based on growth

        As needed
        MonsoonSep - Nov

        Adjust based on growth

        As needed
        AutumnDec - Feb

        Adjust based on growth

        As needed
        WinterCold regions

        Adjust based on growth

        As needed
        Important Note:Water the plant lightly before applying fertilizer.

        Signs Your Bottle Gourd Needs Better Soil or Fertilizer

        Watch for these signs and take action.

        Yellow Leaves

        May indicate nutrient or pH imbalance.

        Few or No Flowers

        Often points to low phosphorus or potassium.

        Small Leaves

        Nutrient stress or compacted soil can slow leaf size.

        Leaf Edge Burn

        Can happen when salt or fertilizer builds up.

        Poor Growth

        May mean insufficient nutrients or poor soil quality.

        View All Problems & Solutions