Lagenaria siceraria

Bottle Gourd

Lagenaria is a gourd-bearing vine in the squash family. The only species which is cultivated is L. siceraria, the Bottle Gourd. The fruits of L. siceraria are harvested when mature and have been used to store water and other liquids since ancient times. They grow fast and use tendrils to climb. They demand space and a sturdy support structure such as a fence, arbor, or even a tree. Lagenaria have attractive white flowers that reach up to 10cm in diameter and leaves that are up to .45cm wide and have a velvety texture.

Contributed by @katiehb

plant Features

Full sun to partial shade
Frequent watering
Not Frost hardy
Moist and free draining

plant information

Common name

Bottle Gourd

Latin name

Lagenaria siceraria

type

Annual Fruiting Vine

family

Cucurbitaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun to partial shade
Frost

Not Frost hardy

Soil

Moist and free draining
Water

Frequent watering

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Bottle Gourd is 3.00meters x 3.50meters

3.00 M 3.50 M

Lagenaria siceraria

Propagation by seed

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Seeds should be sown after the last frost; plant them 1½cm deep in raised beds or mounds. Thin the seedlings to one plant every 2.5 meters.

Planting young plants

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Plant young seedlings at least 2.5m apart. Young plants will thrive with watering two or three times a week. A trellis is advised, but vines may be allowed to run on the ground; be sure to add mulch to avoid fruit rotting.

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