Bottlegourd (Lauki, Doodhi, Opo)
Bottle gourd is widely consumed throughout Asia and other parts of the world. It goes by Lauki or Doodhi in the Indian Subcontinent and by Opo in parts of East Asia. In Morocco, it is used to make a vegetarian tagine (Tagine of Slaoui). It is one of the oldest vegetables grown by humans and the history of cultivation goes back over 14,000 years. It is also one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the summer.
Bottle gourd is a vigorous trailing or climbing plant with white flowers that open at night. Providing ample water through the growing season, a sturdy trellis or fence, and full sun is enough to ensure a successful crop. Just one thriving plant can grow over 12 ft, similar to the luffa/ridge gourd, so it’s essential to place it in a spot with a solid support and space to grow. Beneficial insects, especially bumblebees, are extremely attracted to the flowers.
Harvest when gourd is young and tender; between 6-8 inches long. Harvest often to send energy to new fruit. If left on the vine, the outer skin will harden and can be made into birdhouses, cooking utensils, or as is often done in the Indian subcontinent, musical instruments.
Plants grown from our very own seed!
Bottle gourd is widely consumed throughout Asia and other parts of the world. It goes by Lauki or Doodhi in the Indian Subcontinent and by Opo in parts of East Asia. In Morocco, it is used to make a vegetarian tagine (Tagine of Slaoui). It is one of the oldest vegetables grown by humans and the history of cultivation goes back over 14,000 years. It is also one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the summer.
Bottle gourd is a vigorous trailing or climbing plant with white flowers that open at night. Providing ample water through the growing season, a sturdy trellis or fence, and full sun is enough to ensure a successful crop. Just one thriving plant can grow over 12 ft, similar to the luffa/ridge gourd, so it’s essential to place it in a spot with a solid support and space to grow. Beneficial insects, especially bumblebees, are extremely attracted to the flowers.
Harvest when gourd is young and tender; between 6-8 inches long. Harvest often to send energy to new fruit. If left on the vine, the outer skin will harden and can be made into birdhouses, cooking utensils, or as is often done in the Indian subcontinent, musical instruments.
Plants grown from our very own seed!
Bottle gourd is widely consumed throughout Asia and other parts of the world. It goes by Lauki or Doodhi in the Indian Subcontinent and by Opo in parts of East Asia. In Morocco, it is used to make a vegetarian tagine (Tagine of Slaoui). It is one of the oldest vegetables grown by humans and the history of cultivation goes back over 14,000 years. It is also one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the summer.
Bottle gourd is a vigorous trailing or climbing plant with white flowers that open at night. Providing ample water through the growing season, a sturdy trellis or fence, and full sun is enough to ensure a successful crop. Just one thriving plant can grow over 12 ft, similar to the luffa/ridge gourd, so it’s essential to place it in a spot with a solid support and space to grow. Beneficial insects, especially bumblebees, are extremely attracted to the flowers.
Harvest when gourd is young and tender; between 6-8 inches long. Harvest often to send energy to new fruit. If left on the vine, the outer skin will harden and can be made into birdhouses, cooking utensils, or as is often done in the Indian subcontinent, musical instruments.
Plants grown from our very own seed!