Gourd Seeds - Oblong
85-95 days to maturity after transplanting. Benincasa hispida ’Oblong’. Oblong Gourd Seeds. Non-GMO cool-season annual heirloom. This oblong-shaped wax gourd can reach 20 pounds. The light green skin is covered with very fine hair and will form a white waxy powder when mature. This waxy layer forms over the ripe fruit and protects the melon allowing it to store for up to a year in proper conditions. The long growing season required is well worth the effort! This self-fertile plant has fruit, leaves, seeds, and flowers that are all edible. Approx 490 seeds/oz.
Gourd Seeds - Oblong - 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 Oblong Gourd
To prepare gourd seeds, soak them for 24hrs and then germinated on a moist paper towel in a dark container. 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. Provide deep and infrequent water, avoiding water on the leaves. Fertilize at least once in mid-season.
Harvesting Oblong Gourd
When the fine hairs on the gourd's skin are no longer present, the fruit is ripe. However, 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 delicious in soups and stews. Cut the gourd open, scrape the seeds out, and chop into cubes to cook. The gourd flesh contains good amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“This gourd is great for food storage. Grow it in the summer and enjoy fresh vegetables into the wintertime thanks to its waxy coating.”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package
- 2 g packet - Approximately 32 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 450 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 1,900 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 36,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Benincasa hispida ‘Oblong’ |
| Oblong Gourd Color: | Light green gourd with dark green foliage |
| Oblong Gourd Flavor: | Mild and sweet. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 85-95 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. |