
Product Details
Germination Time: 8-14 days
Sunlight Requirement: 6-8 hours per day, full sun
Ideal Climate for Sowing: Warm season crop; best sown in summer and monsoon
Vine Length: Up to 8-10 feet (requires trellis or ground spread)
Organic Fertilizer Requirement: 1-2 cups of decomposed cow dung or vermicompost per plant, every 2-3 weeks
Life Span: Annual, seasonal vine
Ideal Growing Temperature: 24-32°C
First Harvest: 90-120 days after sowing
Maintenance Required: Moderate (needs trellis/support or ample ground space)
Ideal Grow Bag Size: 18x18 grow bag or larger, with support structure
Specifications of Desi Ash Gourd (Budida Gummadikaya) Seeds
This Desi variety produces large, round-to-oblong fruits with a characteristic ash-white waxy coating, prized across Indian households for curries, sweets like petha, and juices. As a sprawling vine, it can be trained onto a trellis or allowed to spread along the ground, and needs generous space to develop its fruit fully. Known for its long shelf life and traditional taste, this variety is a reliable choice for home gardeners looking to grow a substantial, storable harvest.
Benefits / Uses
Classic Desi variety with authentic taste and long storage life
Versatile in the kitchen — curries, petha (sweet), and juices
Large fruit size makes it a highly productive crop per vine
Can be grown on a trellis or allowed to spread on the ground
Stores well after harvest, making it useful for extended household use
Planting and Care for Ash Gourd
Sowing: Sow seeds 1-1.5 inches deep in well-drained, fertile soil. Soaking seeds overnight before sowing can improve germination.
Growing: Provide a sturdy trellis if training vertically, or ensure ample ground space if left to spread. Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Hand-pollination may help improve fruit set if pollinator activity is low.
Harvesting: Harvest once fruits develop a hard rind and the characteristic ash-white coating, typically 90-120 days after sowing. Mature fruits can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place.
Precautions While Growing Ash Gourd
Provide sturdy support if growing vertically, as mature fruit can be very heavy
Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root and vine rot
Watch for fruit flies and vine borers; use organic pest control methods where needed
Allow fruits to fully mature on the vine for the best flavor and storage life
Other Names
Botanical Name: Benincasa hispida
Uses in Indian Languages:
Hindi: पेठा कद्दू / सफेद कद्दू (Petha Kaddu / Safed Kaddu)
Telugu: బూడిద గుమ్మడికాయ (Budida Gummadikaya)
Tamil: பூசணிக்காய் (Poosanikai)
Kannada: ಬೂದು ಕುಂಬಳಕಾಯಿ (Boodu Kumbalakayi)
Malayalam: കുമ്പളങ്ങ (Kumbalanga)
Grow Suggestions
Delivery: Free delivery on orders above Rs. 499. All orders are prepaid, so you pay securely online at checkout.
For shipping timelines and return terms, please see our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.
Are Vanashree seeds suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our seeds are beginner-friendly and ideal for balcony, terrace, and home gardening.
How do I sow these seeds?
Use loose, well-draining soil, sow at the depth recommended for the crop, water gently and keep the pot in suitable light. See the description for details on this product.
Are these seeds suitable for Indian climate conditions?
Our seeds are selected for home gardens across many Indian climates. Check the sowing season listed on this page for the best time to plant.
How should I store seeds before planting?
Store seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the packet sealed after opening.
| Brand | Vanashree Organics |
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