Gourd Seeds - Bonanza
80-90 days to maturity. Luffa acutangula ’Bonanza’. Bonanza Gourd Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season, annual, hybrid. This vigorous and productive plant produces a high yield of edible fruit on strong, lateral branches. The fruit is 18 inches long, 2 inches in diameter, and weighs just under a pound. The green-colored, ridged fruit is tender and tasty. It matures 45 days after the flower sets. Try growing it in a deep container or over an arched trellis for a gorgeous spectacle. The fruit can optionally mature into a fibrous mass that is used as a loofa or sponge. Approx. 140 seeds / oz.
Gourd Seeds - Bonanza - Hybrid
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Other Common Names: Luffa plant, Chinese okra, si gua, silk gourd, lin jiao si gua, edible luffa, you lin si gua, sze kwa, see kwa, hechima, or luffa gourd.
How to Grow Bonanza Gourd
Increase the germination rate by soaking the seeds for 24 hours in warm water; then, place them in a sealed, dark container with a wet paper towel. Follow the steps outlined in the link below for more details. In northern climates, this plant should be cultivated in a heated greenhouse. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4 feet tall. Space mounds 4-6 feet apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in the above chart.
Bonanza Luffa Gourd should be planted next to a structure to climb up; this provides air circulation to avoid diseases and grow uniform fruits. Cut back the branches during the season to have one main vine. Hand pollination is helpful to secure fruiting. In conditions with a long enough growing season, give the plant additional time to establish before fruiting by removing the first few blooms.
Harvesting Bonanza Gourd
For eating, harvest the gourds when they are firm, bright green, and 4-6 inches long. For a shower luffa harvest, leave the gourds on the plant until they are brown and dry. Then, break open the skin and shake out the seeds.
Culinary Tips
The young edible gourds do not store for long periods of time. Bonanza gourds are eaten like okra or summer squash; stir-fry thin slices or add them to soup, steam, or deep-fry thick slices.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I have learned it is best to let the mature, yellow gourds turn brown dry for a few weeks indoors after they have been cut off from the plant. This ensures the fibers inside have properly dried and developed.”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package
- 2 g packet - Approximately 10 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 140 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 560 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 2,240 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 11,200 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Luffa acutangula ‘Bonanza’ |
| Bonanza Gourd Color: | Green gourds, stems, and leaves |
| Bonanza Gourd Flavor: | Lightly sweet and mild |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 80-90 Days |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36-48 inches |
| Plant Height: | Vines up to 30 feet |
| Growth Habit: | Vine |
| Soil Preference: | Loamy soil with sand for drainage, rich in nutrients like nitrogen. 6.0-6.5 pH. |
| Temperature Preference: | 70-90℉ |
| Light Preference: | Full sun |
Other
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | If you see pests, take action and use proper cultivation methods to prevent and fight against potential pests and diseases. |