SAFLAX - Bottle Gourd - 15 Seeds - Lagenaria siceraria

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Boosts immunity: Bottle gourd is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against infections. Control pests: Bottle gourd plants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. Inspect the plants regularly for signs of infestation, and treat with an appropriate pesticide if necessary. You can also use natural pest control methods such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects.

bottle gourd in the UK? How to care bottle gourd How to grow bottle gourd in the UK? How to care bottle gourd

After pollination, tie a paper bag over the female flower, until the petals have withered and a fruit has set. Repeat this until you have three fruits per plant. Seed continues to mature for several months after the fruit has been removed from the plant, so keep at or above 9 degrees C. Harvest the seed when the fruit turns soft. The percentage of growers over 70 was far higher for Caribbean growers than British white growers. This is a clear message that the knowledge for cultivating exotic crops is in danger of being lost as information is not passed on to younger generations. In conclusion, growing bottle gourd in the UK requires a warm and sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. With the proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious and nutritious gourds. Take a soft brush, collect pollen on it from a male flower. Snip the string around the female flower and brush lightly against the female flower's centre.Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds about an inch deep and six feet apart in rows. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Bottle gourd seeds typically germinate in seven to ten days. Support the vines: Bottle gourd vines can grow up to 20 feet long and need support to grow upright. Provide a trellis or other sturdy support structure for the vines to climb. Monitor for pests and diseases: Bottle gourds can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. Inspect the plants regularly for signs of infestation, and treat with an appropriate pesticide if necessary. Powdery mildew is a common disease that affects bottle gourds, especially in humid weather. Treat with a fungicide if you notice signs of the disease. Bottle gourds are a very vigorous climber and need substantial support - they will overwhelm bean poles, but can be grown over a sturdy shed! Surprising perhaps, they are suitable for containers.

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Helps to hydrate the body: Bottle gourd is 96% water, making it a great food to help keep the body hydrated. In Africa and parts of the Caribbean, the young leaves are eaten as a green vegetables, either combined chopped with other greens and boiled to a soft texture or eaten with a hot popper sauce. Troubleshooting Choose the right location: Bottle gourds need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow. Choose a location in your garden that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. Bottle gourds also need fertile soil with good drainage, so make sure the area you choose has well-draining soil. Beautiful white flowers appear from July onwards, followed by usable fruits within three weeks which continue until the first frosts. Male flowers have longer stalks and open first. Female flowers have a baby fruit just behind the petals. Harvesting and useDon't consume bottle gourd fruit or juice that tastes bitter. Bottle gourd fruits (calabashes) contain a toxic chemical compound called tetracyclic triterpenoid cucurbitacin. This compound can cause mild, moderate, or even life-threatening gastrointestinal distress in rare cases. The telltale sign of high cucurbitacin content is an extra bitter taste, so discard any gourd fruit or juice that's unpleasantly bitter. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source By following these care tips, you can ensure that your bottle gourd plants in the UK remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season. However, it is important to note that bottle gourd should be consumed in moderation, and in consultation with a healthcare professional. Diabetic individuals should also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to ensure that they are within a safe range.

Bottle Gourd Seeds - Etsy UK

Gourd Large Bottle. Bottle gourds, easy to cultivate once germinated from seed and best grown up trellis or fences to help retain their shape, if left to grow on the ground they may flatten on one side. They make excellent birdhouses, just leave them to dry, drill an access hole for the birds add a drainage hole or two and hang them up. Dried Bottle Gourd can also be decorated for ornaments and musical instruments. Cultivation Advice Gourd Large Bottle Since gourds demand a long growing season (100 days plus), they can be started indoors 4 weeks prior to planting outdoors.

2 litre Potted Plants

Germination must be undertaken above 70F as these seeds will rot in cooler damp conditions. If in doubt place between 2 sheets of wet Kitchen roll and place in a warm, dark location (airing cupboard). Once signs of germination are observed plant immediately. Good for digestion: The high fiber content of bottle gourd helps to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. Provide support: As the vines grow, they will need support to climb. A sturdy trellis, fence, or other support structure will prevent the vines from trailing on the ground and getting damaged. Gourd seeds should be planted in individual containers 1/2 in deep, such as peat pots, since the roots will not tolerate disturbance during transplanting. Rich in nutrients: Bottle gourd is low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamins C, B, and K, potassium, and fiber.