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Growing Non-GMO Extra Long Snake Gourd Vegetable Seeds

Start seeds indoors 3-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them in tray inserts to minimize root disturbance during transplantation. For sure germination, start the process by using the paper towel method. Soak your seeds for 8-24 hours. Drain and wrap the seeds in a damp paper towel. Keep the wrapped seeds in an air-tight baggie. Place this baggie on a heating mat until germination takes place (1-2 days). Remove the germinated seeds and plant into a seed-starting mix until 1-2 sets of true leaves develop. Harden off new seedlings before transplanting outdoors (set outdoors for increasing amounts of time over a 1-2 week period). When transplanting, ensure the soil temperature is consistently warm. Wait until the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves before transplanting them to their final outdoor location. Space the plants about 3 to 5 feet apart to allow ample room for their vines to spread.

Provide support for the vines to climb or trail. Trellises, fences, or stakes can encourage upward growth and prevent them from sprawling across the ground. These gourds are known to have strong tendrils that will hold to nearby supports, encouraging healthy growth. Gourds need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting. Side-dress with compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth. Remember, growing conditions can vary, so adapting these general guidelines to your specific climate and soil conditions is essential. Observing and adjusting based on how the plants respond will help you fine-tune your approach for a successful harvest.

Gourd flowers must be pollinated to fruit. Typically, natural pollinators such as bees and butterflies take care of this. Hand pollination can be performed in cases where natural pollination might be limited (due to a lack of pollinators or a low plant population). This involves manually transferring pollen from the male flowers to the stigma of the female flowers using a small brush or by hand.

Extra Long Snake Gourd in the Vegetable Garden

These gourds are primarily grown for their culinary potential. The flesh of the Extra Long Snake gourd is mild and can be used similarly to zucchini or other summer squash. It's often used in various cuisines, including Asian, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes. Commonly, it's sliced, diced, or grated and used in curries, stir-fries, soups, or pickled. Beyond their edible qualities, the gourds are visually striking due to their unique elongated shape. They can be decorative elements in the garden or floral arrangements once harvested and dried.

Harvesting Extra Long Snake Gourd

After successful pollination, the gourds start to develop. They can reach edible size about 40 to 50 days after flowering, but attaining the "Extra Long" size might take closer to 70 to 90 days. Extra Long Snake gourds should be harvested before they mature fully but after reaching the desired size. Typically, they are best harvested when they are around 2 feet long. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut them from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.

About Extra Long Snake Gourd Garden Seeds

Growing a variety of plants in your vegetable garden, including unique varieties like the Extra Long Snake gourd, can support biodiversity by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

The unusual appearance of the Extra Long Snake Gourd makes it great for educational purposes. They can be used to teach kids about different types of vegetables and how they grow.

The plant produces male and female flowers. Male flowers usually appear first and in greater numbers. They grow on long, slender stalks and have a stamen in the center with pollen. Female flowers appear slightly later than the male flowers and have a miniature fruit at their base, resembling a tiny gourd. They have a stigma in the center that receives pollen for fertilization.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Training these vines to grow up and over an arched trellis creates a spectacular visual and tactile experience when the gourds start to develop and hang down."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer