3 Review(s)

Watering-The plants can't survive muddy waterlogged soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.Pests-Sponge gourds are affected by a range of fungi and viruses. They are susceptible to a wide range of insects which leave them with the following symptoms: leaves begin to curl and eventually die; lesions exuding a milky substance which dries to form a white crust on. Beside lesions; fruits can get small and pale in color etc. The following pests attck this cropBacterial leaf spot, Aphids, Cucumber beetles, Downy mildew.Soil-They like well-drained loamy soil with a soil pH in the range of 5.8 to 6.4.Spot-Gourds should be planted outdoors in full sunlight.Temperature-Gourds grow best in temperatures between 23 to 29 C [75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit].Seeds can also be started indoors near to the last leg of the winter.Sow gourd seeds 8 to 12 inches apart as soon as the soil is warm enough to germinate and there is no danger of frost anymore.Plant one to three plants in a hill and space hills 6 feet apart. To facilitate germination, scrape the seed coat with a file or allow seeds to stay warm for at least 24 hours.Note - Seeds are really slow to germinate.