DESCRIPTION
Gourd Seeds, Round Winter Melon Wax
How to Grow Round Winter Melon Wax Gourd
The winter melon has a long growing season. They should be started indoors and transplanted after the soil has warmed up to 60 degrees. Before planting soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. It's best to choose a warm sunny location for this melon to grow. This plant grows best on the ground, not on a trellis. It will spread over a large area, leave about 4 feet around each plant. Water consistently, and ensure it has full sun.
Harvesting Round Winter Melon Wax Gourd
Wait to harvest until the plant is fully mature. They will reach their full size, the stem of the plant will turn brown, and the leaves will turn yellow. Often the fruit will have a white powder that coats the entire fruit.
Culinary Tips
This fruit is called the winter melon not because it grows in the winter, but because it can be stored over the winter. It will keep fresh for a long time. Store the fruit in a dry cool place. It is best served cooked, and is delicious in soups, stews, pastry filling, and jams. Cut the gourd open, peel it, scrape out the seeds and cut the flesh into cubes for use in a variety of recipes.
Articles on Gourds
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g packet - Approximately 45 Seeds
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Benincasa hispida
|
| Round Winter Melon Wax Gourd Color: |
Waxy White
|
| Round Winter Melon Wax Gourd Flavor: |
Mild and refreshing
|
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: |
85 to 95 Days to maturity.
|
| Days to Germination: |
10-21 Days
|
| Seeding Depth: |
1 inches |
| Row Spacing: |
5-6 feet |
| Plant Height: |
Vines 12 feet |
| Growth Habit: |
Long vine, grows on the ground |
| Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, enriched soil, preferably 5.5-6.5ph.
|
| Temperature Preference: |
75-85°F
|
Other
| Plant Width: |
3-4 feet |
| Pests and Disease: |
Problem pests are aphids, snails, slugs, leafhoppers, and spider mites can be a problem. Downy mildew, leaf spot, and leaf blight can be problems.
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