The hairy skin gourd has become very popular in Southern Asia. Fruits are uniform in shape and 1.5-2.0 Kg. in weight, with green skin and thick/firm white flesh. Shaped like a cucumber with splotchy green skin, this “hairy gourd” has a light, neutral flavor like a zucchini, which makes it a versatile cucurbit to cook with. It can also be pickled or used to make a refreshing drink.
The fuzzy covering on young gourds, which have the best texture, can be removed by scrubbing or peeling. Plants are vigorous and high-yield. The flesh is very tender and well flavored, excellent for soups and stir-fry.
Planting season: Late spring/early summer Germination: 7-14 days Seed depth:1” Germination temp: 86-90F Optimal temp: 68-86F Seed Spacing: 12-18" Row Spacing: 48-72" Sunlight: Full sun Soil: Rich, well-drained Maturity: Approx. 55-65 days