Snake gourd (long) seeds – vegetable seeds

Snake gourd seeds

Snake gourds are an annual climber and they are often referred to as gourd snake, gourdsake, tomato snake and long tomatoes. The fruit is generally eaten as a vegetable since its nutritional content is good. The vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C are important sources of this fruit. It promotes appetite and serves as a tonic and as a stomach. It is used as an
abortifacient, vermifuge, stomachic, refrigerant, purgative, malaria, laxative, hydragogue,
hemagglutinant, emetic, cathartic, bronchitis and anthelmintic.

 Agro-climatic requirements

In a mild and warm environment, snake gourds grow incredibly well; the optimal cultivation temperature is 25° to 38°C. The optimal soil pH is 6.0 to 6.7; nevertheless, alkaline soil up to 8.0 is tolerated by plants.

 Planting Material

Approximately 3.0-4.0 kg of seeds are required for cultivating one hectare of land.

Planting season

The best seasons for cultivating snake gourd are January-March and September-December.

Spacing

Normal spacing is 2.0 m × 2.0 m. However, higher density farming with 1.5 x 1.5 m spacing improves farmer returns and is suggested.

Planting Method

The seeds of the Snake Gourd are sifted using 1.5 to 2.0 m x 1.0 m to 1.5 m by the settling technique. Soak the seeds in water during the night and germinate faster and better. It is ideal to irrigation 3-4 days prior to planting. In each trench, plant 5 seeds. Thin to 2 healthy seedlings after germination after 2 weeks of seed. The seeds can also be seeded in plastic bags. Four seeds per bag are suitable and may be sown in the main field at 4 seedlings per pit 15 days after germination.

 Nutrition

To maximize the yield as well as protect your plants, before having the last ploughing, the topsoil should be mixed with 130 Kg FYM (Farm Yard Manure), 250 Kg of neem cake, 5 kg of Azospirillum, 5 kg of Phosphobacteria, and 6-7 Kg of Pseudomonas 6 Kg per hectare.

Micronutrients

Neem oil is applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 3.0 percent in order to boost growth and yield characteristics.

Irrigation

Proper irrigation is a key component of snake gourd agriculture. Watering fields in different days or within 2-3 days is a recommended practise, depending on climatic circumstances. Regular watering may be necessary during the summer days. The soil conditions should be assessed, furrows spaced, slopes required such as elements to obtain the optimum irrigation outcome for your plants. Land should be careful and adequately drained to prevent over-watering. Where rainfall is minimal, use a deep irrigation system that not only saves water but also provides the necessary food for tree root in deep soil regions.

Harvesting  and Yield

Depending on crop management, yield may vary. Snake gourd yields 30-40 t/ha with normal care. Snake gourd fruits doesn’t  last long and should be quickly sold on the market. Remove fruits which have been damaged and distorted. Store the fruit in a cool area with 85-90% relative humidity at 12-13°C .Fruit storage can be extended for 2-3 weeks, subject to this requirement. Snake gourd is cooling sensitive and may suffer harm if stored below 10°C.