Ash Gourd -Open Pollination Seeds

What Will You Have In Ash Gourd Open Pollination Seed Pack?

Seed quantity- 20

Best Month to Sow Desi Ash Gourd Seeds in India

• Desi Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as white pumpkin, wax gourd, or Petha, is best sown in warm and humid conditions from January to March and June to September in India. The tropical climate during these months ensures fast germination, healthy vine growth, and high yield.

Different Names of Desi Ash Gourd in India

Desi Ash Gourd is known by various regional names across India:

• Hindi: Petha, Safed Kaddu
• Tamil: Neer Poosanikai
• Telugu: Boodida Gummadikaya
• Malayalam: Kumbalanga
• Kannada: Boodu Kumbalakai
• Marathi: Kohla
• Bengali: Chal Kumra

Health Benefits of Desi Ash Gourd

• Desi Ash Gourd is an Ayurvedic superfood known for its cooling, detoxifying, and medicinal properties. It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that provide several health benefits:
• Supports Digestion & Gut Health: High in fiber, aids digestion, and prevents constipation.
• Natural Body Coolant: Helps maintain hydration and reduces body heat, ideal for summer consumption.
• Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C and zinc, strengthening the immune system.
• Regulates Blood Sugar: Helps in managing diabetes and controlling blood glucose levels.
• Promotes Weight Loss: Low in calories and high in water content, aiding in fat metabolism.
• Improves Mental Health: Traditionally used in Ayurveda to enhance brain function and reduce stress.
• Detoxifies the Liver & Kidneys: Acts as a natural diuretic, flushing out toxins from the body.

Culinary Uses of Desi Ash Gourd

Desi Ash Gourd is a versatile vegetable widely used in Indian cuisine, Ayurvedic recipes, and herbal drinks:

• Ash Gourd Juice: A detox drink consumed for weight loss, cooling, and cleansing the body.
• Petha Sweet: Famous Agra Petha is made from candied ash gourd.
• Curries & Sambar: Cooked in South Indian sambar, dals, and North Indian curries.
• Ash Gourd Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dish.
• Soups & Stews: Added to light, easily digestible vegetable soups.
• Stuffed Ash Gourd: A traditional dish where the gourd is filled with spiced lentils.

Medicinal Uses of Desi Ash Gourd

• Ash Gourd has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for its therapeutic properties:
• Ash Gourd Juice for Mental Clarity: Enhances brain function and reduces anxiety.
• Treats Acidity & Ulcers: Alkaline nature soothes stomach ulcers and reduces acidity.
• Improves Respiratory Health: Helps treat asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
• Skin & Hair Benefits: Used in herbal pastes to treat skin infections and dandruff.

Step-by-Step Organic Guide to Sowing Desi Ash Gourd Seeds

• Soil Preparation: Use well-drained, loamy, and nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0–7.5. Mix organic compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake for better fertility.
• Seed Sowing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in raised beds or directly in the ground, maintaining a distance of 2–3 feet between plants.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination Time: Desi Ash Gourd seeds germinate within 7–14 days under warm conditions.
• Thinning & Transplanting: Once seedlings are 4–5 inches tall, thin them out and transplant them to maintain proper vine spacing.

How to Care for Desi Ash Gourd Plants Organically

• Organic Fertilization: Apply compost tea, cow dung manure, or vermicompost every 15–20 days.
• Pruning & Vine Management: Remove excess side shoots to encourage better fruiting.
• Pest & Disease Control:
• Use neem oil spray to prevent aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
• Apply wood ash or turmeric powder to prevent fungal infections.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk

Transplanting Desi Ash Gourd Seedlings

• Transplant strong seedlings into open fields, raised garden beds, or large containers once they develop 3–4 true leaves. Support vines with a trellis or natural fencing to prevent fruit rotting on the ground.
• Ideal Soil Type for Desi Ash Gourd
• Desi Ash Gourd thrives in light, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, compost, and bio-fertilizers. The best soil mix includes:
• 50% loamy soil
• 30% compost or cow dung manure
• 10% sand for drainage
• 10% neem cake for pest resistance
• Watering Requirements for Desi Ash Gourd Plants
• Water deeply 2–3 times a week, ensuring soil remains moist but not soggy.
• Reduce watering once vines start flowering to prevent fungal infections.
• Use mulching with dried leaves to retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.

How Many Hours of Sunlight Does Desi Ash Gourd Need?

• Desi Ash Gourd requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily. Partial shade is suitable in extremely hot regions to prevent plant stress.

Ideal Location to Grow Desi Ash Gourd

• Backyard Gardens: Requires ample space for sprawling vines.
• Trellis or Vertical Farming: Ideal for small-space or urban gardening.
• Agricultural Fields: Commonly grown as a commercial vegetable crop.

Germination Time for Desi Ash Gourd Seeds

• Seeds germinate within 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions. Ensure consistent soil moisture for higher germination rates.

Ideal Location to Grow Desi Ash Gourd

• Backyard Gardens: Requires ample space for sprawling vines.
• Trellis or Vertical Farming: Ideal for small-space or urban gardening.
• Agricultural Fields: Commonly grown as a commercial vegetable crop.

Germination Time for Desi Ash Gourd Seeds

• Seeds germinate within 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions. Ensure consistent soil moisture for higher germination rates.

Harvesting Desi Ash Gourd

• Harvest 80–120 days after sowing when the fruit’s outer skin hardens and develops a powdery white coating.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a 2-inch stem to improve shelf life.
• Store harvested ash gourd in a cool, dry place for 2–3 months without refrigeration.

How to Care for Desi Ash Gourd Plants Organically

• Organic Fertilization: Apply compost tea, cow dung manure, or vermicompost every 15–20 days.
• Pruning & Vine Management: Remove excess side shoots to encourage better fruiting.

Pest & Disease Control:

• Use neem oil spray to prevent aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
• Apply wood ash or turmeric powder to prevent fungal infections.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk