Discover key facts about bottle gourd sowing, from suitable climate to seed spacing. Ideal for horticulture beginners eager to grow healthy bottle gourd crops.
Which is the most suitable season for sowing bottle gourd seeds in most tropical regions?
Explanation: Summer provides the optimal warmth and longer days that support bottle gourd seed germination and growth. Winter is generally too cold for good germination, the monsoon can lead to waterlogging and fungal issues, and autumn temperatures usually decline, reducing growth rates.
What is the recommended spacing between bottle gourd plants in open field cultivation?
Explanation: Planting bottle gourd seeds 1.5 to 2 meters apart gives vines space to spread and receive sunlight. 10 to 15 centimeters and 30 to 40 centimeters are far too close, causing overcrowding, while 4 to 5 meters wastes field space.
Which type of soil is ideal for bottle gourd seed sowing?
Explanation: Well-drained sandy loam offers good aeration, drainage, and fertility for bottle gourd. Heavy clay retains excessive water, rocky soil lacks nutrients, and saline soil can inhibit plant growth due to salt stress.
Why is it recommended to treat bottle gourd seeds with fungicide before sowing?
Explanation: Treating seeds with fungicide reduces the risk of diseases that can affect germination and seedlings. Fungicides do not make seeds larger, change their color significantly, or make them harder in a helpful way.
At what depth should bottle gourd seeds generally be sown in the soil?
Explanation: Sowing bottle gourd seeds at 2 to 3 centimeters depth ensures good soil contact and moisture for germination. Planting deeper (8 to 15 cm) delays emergence, while a very shallow depth (0.2 to 0.3 cm) exposes seeds to drying out or being eaten.