Gourd Seeds - Small Round - Heirloom

Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

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, white gourd, winter gourd, or winter melon.

How to Grow Small Round Gourd

The seeds need to be soaked for 24hrs and then germinated on a moist paper towel in a dark container. More specific directions for this process can be found in the article linked below. If you live in zones 5 or 6, start the seeds indoors before the last frost and transplant them outdoors after the last frost. 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" tall. Space mounds 4-6' 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 Small Round Gourd

When the fine hairs on the gourd's skin are no longer present, the fruit is ripe. Some people also enjoy eating immature fruit. The fruit can be stored in a cool, dry place during the winter months (avoid direct contact with concrete).

Culinary Tips

The fruit is cooked and eaten as a vegetable to bulk up soups, stews, and curries. The seeds are cooked before consumption and contain high amounts of protein and healthy fats. The leaves and lowers are steamed and eaten as a vegetable or added to dishes as a flavoring element.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To cut down on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed, intercrop this gourd with a legume such as one of our early maturing yard-long beans. The harvests will not conflict, and the nutrient needs are compatible!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"

Seeds Per Package

• 3 g packet - Approximately 32 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 450 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 1,800 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 36,000 Seeds