Gourd Seeds - Small Round (treated)
75-85 days to maturity after transplanting. Benincasa hispida ’Small Round’. Small Round Gourd Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season annual heirloom. This self-fertile gourd can also be known as winter melon, wax gourd, or white gourd. The vigorous, prolific variety requires a long, warm growing season but will produce as many as 16 fruits per plant. Green-skinned fruit is fragrant and flavorful, with firm flesh growing to 4 x 7 inches in size and weighing up to 1.5 pounds. The fruit, leaves, seeds, and flowers are all edible. Approx 935 seeds / oz.
This seed is treated with a fungicide designed to prevent or reduce seed rot in the soil. It does not affect the plant or the produce from the plant. This seed is intended for planting only. Do not eat this seed or use it for oil or animal feed. Keep this seed out of the reach of children. Wash hands after handling.
Gourd Seeds - Small Round - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Alu-puhul, beligo, bi bee, bi chanh, bleego, bleegoo, bligo, Chinese wax gourd, dong gua, dong gwa, fak khiao, fak kib, ho bak, kamo uri, kondol, koondoor, kundol, kundur, large fuzzy melon, petha, pethakaddu, phat, tallow gourd, tangkue, togan, tung kwa, white gourd, winter gourd, or winter melon.
How to Grow Small Round Gourd
The seeds need to be soaked for 24hrs and then germinated on a moist paper towel in a dark container. More specific directions for this process can be found in the article linked below. If you live in zones 5 or 6, start the seeds indoors before the last frost and transplant them outdoors after the last frost. If you live in zones 7 or higher, germinate the seeds indoors and then direct sow. Sow seeds in spring/summer after the last frost in a warm, sunny location.
Hill planting: Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4" tall. Space mounds 4-6' apart. Plant 2 seeds on each heap. Row planting: See spacing info above. Hand pollination may be necessary. Train the wax gourd to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. Provide deep and infrequent water, avoiding water on the leaves. Fertilize at least once in mid-season.
Harvesting Small Round Gourd
When the fine hairs on the gourd's skin are no longer present, the fruit is ripe. Some people also enjoy eating immature fruit. The fruit can be stored in a cool, dry place during the winter months (avoid direct contact with concrete).
Culinary Tips
The fruit is cooked and eaten as a vegetable to bulk up soups, stews, and curries. The seeds are cooked before consumption and contain high amounts of protein and healthy fats. The leaves and lowers are steamed and eaten as a vegetable or added to dishes as a flavoring element.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"To cut down on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed, intercrop this gourd with a legume such as one of our early maturing yard-long beans. The harvests will not conflict, and the nutrient needs are compatible!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package
- 3 g packet - Approximately 32 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 450 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 1,800 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 36,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Benincasa hispida ‘Small Round’ |
| Small Round Gourd Color: | Light green gourd with dark green foliage. |
| Small Round Gourd Flavor: | Mild and sweet. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 75-85 Days after transplanting. |
| Days to Germination: | 14-21 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 60-80 inches |
| Plant Height: | Vines up to 20 feet |
| Growth Habit: | Climbing Viner. |
| Soil Preference: | Rich, sandy loam soil. |
| Temperature Preference: | 70-90℉ |
| Light Preference: | Full to part sun |
Other
| Plant Width: | 20-30 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Can be subject to cucumber moth, angular leaf spot, thrips, and spotted leaf wilt. Remove infected leaves or fruits promptly. |