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Long Opo Bottle Gourd Seeds – Calabash Squash – Non-GMO Open Pollinated Asian Gourd Seeds for Planting
Lagenaria siceraria
Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 10 seeds
Long Opo (Lagenaria siceraria), also known as Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Lauki, or Dudhi, is a fast-growing, heat-loving warm-season vine that thrives in the long, hot days of summer and produces an abundance of fruit throughout the season. The vines are vigorous, producing long bat-shaped gourds that are best harvested between 12 and 24 inches long, with light green skin and sweet, white flesh that is entirely edible at this immature stage. For best results, grow on a strong trellis, fence, or arbor — the vines are heavy, and hanging fruit develops a straighter, more uniform shape. Sow seeds after the last frost in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location; germination is best at 86–90°F with a seed depth of 1 inch and plant spacing of 12–18 inches, with fruits ready in approximately 90–105 days.
Few vegetables carry a history as ancient and far-reaching as the bottle gourd — cultivated for at least 10,000 years and considered by many archaeologists to be the world's first global crop, the only plant grown in both the Old and New Worlds before Columbus. Across cultures and continents, it has served not only as food but as a container, utensil, musical instrument, and symbol of culture and spirituality. Fruits can be harvested young and tender for the table, or left on the vine to fully mature into hard-shelled gourds suitable for crafting, decorating, or making traditional containers and instruments. In the kitchen, the mild, subtly sweet flesh absorbs accompanying flavors beautifully, making it perfect for stir-fries, soups, stews, curries, and stuffed dishes, complementing ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, coconut milk, or meats.
Growing Tips:
Sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, or start them indoors 6 weeks early. Opo gourd 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 90–105 days), so start early if you’re in a short-summer region.
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PLANTING
Germination: 14 days
Seed Sowing Depth: 1" deep
Sowing: 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.
Days to maturity: 90–105 days
SEEDS
PLANTS & RHIZOMES
DELIVERED BUT NOT FOUND
To be eligible for a replacement:
Reports made after 24 hours of delivery will not be eligible for a refund or replacement. We are unable to replace or refund plants reported outside of this timeframe, as plant health after delivery is influenced by factors out of our control such as handling, environmental conditions, and care once received.
We are not responsible for lost, delayed, or damaged packages caused by USPS or UPS once the package is in the carrier’s possession. Shipping carriers are responsible for transit-related issues.
DELIVERED BUT NOT FOUND
By placing an order, you agree to this refund and replacement policy.
PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR ISSUES VIA EMAIL: INFO@JERRASGARDEN.COM
