{"product_id":"bottle-gourd-seeds-lauki-opo-cucuzzi-20-seeds","title":"Bottle Gourd Seeds – Lauki \/ Opo \/ Cucuzzi, 20 Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eStart a warm-season vegetable garden project with this pack of 20 bottle gourd seeds. Train the vigorous vines over a sturdy trellis and harvest young, tender gourds for cooked dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackage: 20 bottle gourd seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBotanical name: Lagenaria siceraria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso known as lauki, opo, cucuzzi, and calabash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant type: Warm-season annual climbing vine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeeds for planting only; fresh vegetables, live plants, and supports are not included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSowing Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoak seeds in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours before sowing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect-sow after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose full sun and fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost. Sow approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged. Germination commonly takes 1–3 weeks in warm conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace plants approximately 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) apart along a strong support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor a head start in short-season areas, sow in individual pots indoors 3–4 weeks before planting out. Gradually acclimate seedlings and transplant carefully without disturbing roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTrellis Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall a firmly anchored, heavy-duty trellis or arbor before vines spread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose a framework strong enough to carry mature vines and developing fruit; lightweight decorative supports may bend or collapse.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuide young vines toward the framework and secure loosely with soft ties while tendrils establish a grip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport heavier fruit with wide fabric slings attached to the frame, leaving room for growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep hanging fruit clear of walkways and check the structure regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare \u0026amp; Harvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily and a long, warm growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater deeply at soil level, especially during flowering and fruit development. Mulch to conserve moisture without covering stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed according to the vegetable fertilizer label; avoid excessive nitrogen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow pollinators access to flowers. If fruit set is poor, transfer pollen from an open male flower to an open female flower in the evening using a clean, soft brush.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck foliage for pests and maintain airflow around vines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest gourds while young and tender, before the skin hardens, using clean pruners rather than pulling the vine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKitchen Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCook young gourds before eating. Do not consume bitter-tasting bottle gourds or their juice; discard the entire bitter fruit. Cooking does not make a bitter gourd safe to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSeed Disclaimer\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGermination is affected by temperature, environment, and planting techniques. We sell seeds only and do not guarantee 100% germination.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AMERICAN GROWN SEED","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67756308103533,"sku":"AUSSOS-FG-V8GR-1027","price":9.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/5181\/2461\/files\/1_d68a1b90-2d0d-474b-aa58-799ba21b463c.png?v=1792600396","url":"https:\/\/americangrownseed.com\/products\/bottle-gourd-seeds-lauki-opo-cucuzzi-20-seeds","provider":"AMERICAN GROWN SEED","version":"1.0","type":"link"}