{"product_id":"fuzzy-melon-fuzzy-gourd-mao-gua-seeds","title":"Fuzzy Melon \/ Fuzzy Gourd \/ Mao Gua Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eFuzzy Melon Seeds – Mao Gua – Chinese Hairy Gourd – Rare Heirloom Vegetable – Non-GMO – Easy Trellis Grower\u003cbr\u003eBenincasa hispida var. chieh-qua\u003cbr\u003eListing is for 1 packet of minimum 10 seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuzzy melon — known across Asia and beyond as Mao Gua, Hairy Gourd, Mo Gwa, or Chi Qua — is a beautifully versatile warm-season vegetable with deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition and a growing fan base in kitchens worldwide. A close relative of cucumbers and winter melons, this variety of wax gourd is distinguished by its charmingly fuzzy, fine-haired green skin, creamy white interior flesh, and a flavor profile that's refreshingly mild — somewhere between a cucumber's fresh fragrance and a zucchini's tender consistency. Harvested young at around 10–12 inches long, the seeds remain tiny and the texture stays silky and delicate, making it ideal for a wide range of preparations: eaten raw when very young, simmered in soups, stir-fried, steamed, or cored and stuffed with savory pork, prawn, or vegetable mixtures. It's a staple of Chinese home cooking and beloved across Southeast Asian, Indian, Caribbean, African, Andean, and South American cuisines as well. In the garden, Mao Gua is as rewarding to grow as it is to cook — producing large, showy flowers that make it a striking addition to any trellis or fence. A warm-season crop, fuzzy melon thrives in USDA Zones 3–11 as an annual, with a growing season of roughly 90-120 days to harvest. Before eating, scrub the fine hairs off with the skin on, or peel for a smoother presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing Tips: Sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, or start them indoors 6 weeks early. Fuzzy melon grows best in full sun, rich soil, and lots of space to climb — give them a sturdy trellis or fence to grow on. They have a long growing season (about 90-120 days), so start early if you’re in a short-summer region. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePLANTING\u003cbr\u003eGermination: 14 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Sowing Depth: 1\" deep \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSowing: Soak seeds the seeds overnight. It needs warm soil temperatures to germinate. Can direct sow once outside temperatures are consistently in the 70F's or above. Or start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last spring frost date, in a larger sized pot like a solo cup, and place it over a heat mat. In warmer climates (zones +9) can also direct sow or start seeds in June\/July to get another harvest before winter comes.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDays to maturity: 90-120 days\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jerrasgarden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48446706909409,"sku":"OTHER022","price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0650\/4012\/2081\/files\/LongbottleshapeMaoGuafuzzymelon2.jpg?v=1780662589","url":"https:\/\/www.jerrasgarden.com\/products\/fuzzy-melon-fuzzy-gourd-mao-gua-seeds","provider":"Jerra's Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}