Water Needs: Ridge gourd needs consistent moisture. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Ridge gourd thrives in warm, sunny conditions, which are essential for healthy growth and fruit development.
Time to Germinate: 7-14 days.
Seed Soaking: Soaking seeds overnight can help improve germination rates, but it is not strictly necessary.
Tray/Pot Recommendations: Start seeds in seed trays or small pots with good drainage. Transplant seedlings to larger pots or directly into the garden once they are large enough to handle. Ridge gourd prefers to climb, so provide a trellis or support.
Space Requirements: Space plants 30-45 centimeters apart to allow room for climbing and spreading. Provide ample support for the vines to grow vertically.
Temperature Requirements: Ridge gourd thrives in warm temperatures between 20-35°C. It is a tropical plant that prefers consistently warm conditions.
Best Growing Season: In Thailand, ridge gourd can be grown year-round due to the consistently warm climate. However, planting during the cooler months (from October to February) may enhance growth and yield.
Time to Harvest: 60-90 days. Harvest ridge gourd when the fruits are young and tender. Overripe fruits become fibrous and are less suitable for culinary use.
