Fill your pot with the given growing medium and level the surface. Wet the soil with water to provide the right environment for seeds to germinate.

Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep in group of 3 seeds then cover them with growing medium. Keep the soil moist by spraying water twice daily.

GERMINATION:

The sprouts should emerge within 10-14 days. If you want quicker germination, soak the seeds overnight in water, prior to sowing. 

WATER REQUIREMENT:

Check the soil once or twice daily for moisture loss. If it feels dry, its time to water. A healthy Bottle Gourd plant needs water in a uniform manner, so that the soil does not dry up. Proper watering in the growing season encourages plant flower and fruit. If not watered well, the plant will have a weak produce.

TRANSPLANTING AND PLANT GROWTH:

Once the plants have reached at least 1/2 foot in height, its time to transplant them to a pot or open space.

Before transplanting, keep one healthy plant and remove others. At the base of the soil, cut the weakest seedlings out. Be careful not to disturb the roots of the healthy plant. This process is called plant thinning and its a great way to ensure healthy growth. 

After thinning, shift the entire biodegradable pot out in an open space or in a container 18 to 24 inches deep. Bottle gourd grows well in sandy loam soil. By adding organic manure you can make the soil rich. This will give you high-quality vegetables.

The plant can grow over 1 - 6 feet as a vine, so it needs a solid support to climb. You can provide support by installing vertical trellis.

FERTILIZER:

In order for plants to grow well, it’s important to provide the right nutrients. Every GIY kit contains organic micronutrients. Use it as per instructions.

HARVESTING:

Your plant should start flowering within 25-30 days of planting. Bottle gourd produces white flowers, about 4 inches in diameter. Bottle gourds should appear within 40-50 days of planting. 

INSECTS AND DISEASES:

Powdery mildew can be a problem in humid hot weather. If mildew develops, remove the affected leaves. In order to avoid mildew and rotting, make sure the plant gets good air circulation and proper water drainage.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Bottle gourd has high water content and is a rich source of vitamins C and K and calcium. It helps in maintaining a healthy heart and it brings down bad cholesterol levels. Bottle gourd juice is known to be beneficial for diabetic patient since it stabilises blood sugar levels. 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Bottle Gourd plants love the sun, so plant it in an area with good sunshine for good produce.

When the main vine becomes 6 to 8 feet long, cut its growing tip. This will help strengthen the plant and encourage growth of side branches that will produce more flowers and fruits.

The plant can grow to over 15 ft, so they need a solid support to climb. You can provide support by installing vertical trellis.