Gourd Seeds - Giant Wax
100 days maturity after transplanting. Benincasa hispida ’Giant Wax’. Giant Wax Gourd Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season, annual, Heirloom. This easy-to-grow, self-fertile winter melon lives up to its name; the plants produce large fruit that weighs 30 to 35 pounds. The blocky and round-shaped gourds are green with a white waxy coating. This giant wax gourd thrives in well-drained soils and hot temperatures; due in part to its extensive root system. A waxy layer forms over the ripe fruit and protects the melon allowing it to store for up to a year in proper conditions. Approx 675 Seed/Onze
Gourd Seeds - Giant Wax - 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, wax gourd, white gourd, winter gourd, or winter melon.
How to Grow Giant Wax Gourd
To prepare gourd seeds, soak them for 24hrs and germinate on a moist paper towel in a dark container. See more instructions in the link below for this process. If you live in zones 5 or 6, start the seeds indoors before the last frost and transplant them outdoorsafter the danger of frost has passed. If you live in zones 7 or higher, germinate the seeds indoors and then direct sow.
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 ensures fruiting. 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 in mid-season.
Harvesting Giant Wax 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
Use the white flesh of this giant fruit in a chicken and wax-gourd curry, or get creative and use it as part of the presentation. Serve appetizers of finely chopped stir-fried vegetables, for example, scooped into small hollowed-out bowls made from the melon flesh.
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 71 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 675 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 2,700 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 10,800 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 54,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Benincasa hispida ‘Giant Wax’ |
| Giant Wax Gourd Color: | Light green gourd with dark green foliage |
| Giant Wax Gourd Flavor: | Mild and sweet |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 100 days |
| 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. |