BOTTLE GOURD – चितली लोकी (15 Seeds)

🌿 Bottle Gourd (Lauki / Ghia) Cultivation Guide – Desi & Organic Method
Bottle gourd is a fast-growing, high-yielding vine vegetable widely grown in India. It performs very well under organic and desi farming methods.
Scientific Name: Lagenaria siceraria

🌤️ 1. Climate Requirement
Grows best in warm and humid climate.
Ideal temperature: 22–35°C
Very sensitive to frost.
Best sowing time (India):
Summer: January – February
Kharif / Rainy: June – July
Autumn (some regions): September – October
Warm climate helps in better flowering and fruit set.

🌾 2. Soil Requirement
Best soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam soil
Soil should be deep, loose, and fertile.
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Before sowing:
Mix well-decomposed cow dung compost or FYM.
Add neem cake to control soil-borne pests.
❌ Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soil.

🌱 3. Seed Sowing
✅ Pit Preparation
Dig pits of 45 × 45 × 45 cm.
Fill pits with soil + compost + neem cake mixture.
✅ Sowing Method
Sow 2–3 seeds per pit.
Seed depth: 2–3 cm
Spacing: 2.0–2.5 meters between pits.
After germination, keep 1–2 healthy plants per pit.
Germination time: 6–8 days
💡 Tip: Soak seeds in water for 8–10 hours before sowing for better germination.

💧 4. Watering
Light irrigation immediately after sowing.
Water every 5–7 days.
Increase frequency during flowering and fruiting.
❌ Avoid standing water around plants.

🌿 5. Organic Fertilizer Management
Apply vermicompost or compost before sowing.
Use jeevamrit or compost tea every 15–20 days.
Avoid excess nitrogen (more vines, fewer fruits).

✂️ 6. Vine Training & Pollination
Provide bamboo, trellis, pandal, or net support.
Training improves fruit shape, size, and cleanliness.
Encourage natural pollinators (bees).
Avoid chemical sprays during flowering stage.

🐛 7. Pest & Disease Control (Organic)
Aphids & whiteflies: Neem oil spray (5 ml per litre water).
Fruit fly: Use pheromone traps or neem-based sprays.
Powdery mildew: Spray diluted buttermilk (1:10).
Maintain clean field and remove infected leaves.

🥒 8. Harvesting
First harvest in 50–55 days after sowing.
Harvest tender fruits at 20–25 cm length.
Pick fruits every 2–3 days for continuous yield.
Over-mature fruits become hard and reduce production.