Gourd Seeds - Lai Jud - Hybrid
60-65 days to maturity after transplanting. Benincasa hispida ’Lai Jud’. Lai Jud Gourd Seeds. Non-GMO, cool-season, annual, hybrid. This hybrid matures early and has medium-length vines. Cylindrical fruit has mottled green skin, grows to 4 x 9 inches, and weighs up to 2 pounds. The flesh is tender and thick. A waxy layer forms over the ripe fruit and protects the melon allowing it to store for up to a year in proper conditions. This self-fertile plant has fruit, leaves, seeds, and flowers that are all edible. Approx 490 seeds / oz.
Gourd Seeds - Lai Jud - Hybrid
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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, wax gourd, white gourd, winter gourd, or winter melon.
How to Grow Lai Jud Gourd
To prepare gourd seeds, they need to be soaked for 24hrs and then germinated on a moist paper towel in a dark container. You can find detailed instructions linked below. If you live in zones 5 or 6, start the seeds indoors before the last frost and transplant them outdoors, post-frost, after hardening off. 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 inches tall. Space mounds 4-6 feet 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. Supply deep and infrequent water, avoiding water on the leaves. Fertilize at least once mid-season.
Harvesting Lai Jud Gourd
When the fine hairs on the gourd's skin disappear, the fruit is ripe. Some people also enjoy eating immature fruit. Remove the gourd with a clean cut. The fruit can be stored in a cool, dry place during the winter months (avoid direct contact with concrete).
Culinary Tips
It is appetizing in soups and stews. Slice the gourd open, scrape the seeds out, and cut it into cubes to cook. The gourd flesh contains good amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“One of my favorite ways to eat this gourd is in a ginger stir fry with lots of other vegetables.”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package
- 3 g packet - Approximately 15 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: | Benincasa hispida ‘Lai Jud’ |
| Lai Jud Gourd Color: | Light green gourd with dark green foliage. |
| Lai Jud Gourd Flavor: | Mild and sweet. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 60-65 Days after transplanting. |
| Days to Germination: | 14-21 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 60-80 inches |
| Plant Height: | Vines up to 15 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. |