Seed Bottlegourd Pusa Navin 10 gm

Bottle Gourd Pusa Navin is a high-yielding, early maturing variety, known for its tender, cylindrical fruits and disease resistance. It thrives in warm climates and is perfect for home gardening in pots, containers, or ground.

Climate & Season

• Ideal temperature: 20-30°C. Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Bottle Gourd can be grown in pots, throughout the year in warm climates.
• Bes Sowing time:
  • Monsoon crop: June–July
  • Winter crop: September–October 
  • Summer crop: January–March

Soil Preparation

• Prefers well-drained, nutrient rich soil. Mix organic compost or farmyard manure (FYM) before planting.
• For growing in pot, use mixture of garden soil (40%), Compost (30%) and Cocopeat or Sand (30%) for good aeration.

Planting from Seed

• Sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep with a spacing of 45-60 cm between plants and 1.5-2 meter between rows. Germination takes 6–10 days.
• To grow in pot, use 15-20 inches deep pot with drainage holes. Sow 2–3 seeds per pot, 1 inch deep. Germination takes 6–10 days. After germination, thin out weaker seedlings, keeping the healthiest one.

Watering

• Water every 2–3 days, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering during the rainy season to avoid fungal diseases. Morning watering is best for optimal growth.

Trellis Support & Training

• Bottle gourd is a climbing vine – provide a strong trellis or support. Use a bamboo trellis, net, or overhead frame for vines to climb. Train the plant upwards for better fruiting and space management.

Fertilization

• Use organic fertilizers like vermicompost or cow dung manure every 15 days. Add balanced NPK fertilizers, once in a month. And during flowering stage, apply fertilizer rich in potassium to boost fruiting.

Pollination & Flowering

• Hand pollination may be needed for better fruit set (use a soft brush to transfer pollen). Encourage pollinators by planting marigolds or basil nearby.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Aphids & Whiteflies – Spray neem oil every 7–10 days.
• Fruit Borers – Remove infected fruits and use organic pesticides like Bt spray.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: Spray baking soda + water solution once a week.
• Downy Mildew: Use fungicide sprays or neem oil solution.

Harvesting

• First harvest in 50–60 days after sowing. Pick bottle gourds when they are young and tender (10–12 inches long). Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruit production.