Wax Gourd Seeds (Winter Melon, Ash Gourd) – Benincasa hispida

Looking for fresh wax gourd seeds (also known as winter melon, ash gourd, or dong gua)? This vigorous warm-season vine produces large, pale-green fruits with firm white flesh—popular across Asian cuisines for soups, stews, and stir-fries. Reliable germination and strong vines make it a dependable choice for summer gardens.

Why Choose Wax Gourd (Winter Melon)?

• Productive warm-season vine with substantial yields on trellises or ground run
• Versatile in the kitchen—mild flavor, holds texture in cooking
• Adaptable to many soils; thrives in full sun with consistent moisture
• Botanical name: Benincasa hispida (syn. winter melon, ash gourd)

What’s in the Pack?

Sealed seed pack of non-GMO, open-pollinated wax gourd. Packed and shipped from the USA.

Planting Instructions

• When to sow: After last frost once soil is warm; start indoors 2–3 weeks early in cooler climates
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining; pH 6.0–7.5; enrich with compost before planting
• Light: Full sun (6–8 hours+ daily)
• Depth: 1–2 cm (about 1/2 inch); keep evenly moist until emergence
• Spacing: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) between plants; provide a sturdy trellis or let vines run
• Temperature: Warmth-loving; best germination at 24–32°C (75–90°F)
• Germination: Typically 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions
• Days to maturity: About 100–120 days from sowing, depending on climate
• Growing zones: USDA 9–11 in warm regions; grow as a summer annual in cooler zones

FAQs

Is wax gourd the same as winter melon or ash gourd?

Yes. Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) is commonly called winter melon or ash gourd; “dong gua” is another widely used name.

Does it need a trellis?

It benefits from strong support. Trellising improves airflow, fruit shape, and harvest quality, but plants will also sprawl successfully on open ground.

How much heat does it require?

Wax gourd is frost-sensitive and prefers sustained warmth. Sow only after soils warm and night temperatures are reliably above 12–15°C (54–59°F).

When should I harvest?

Pick when fruits reach mature size and the bloom/wax develops on the rind. Younger fruits can be used tender; mature fruits keep better post-harvest.

Where to buy wax gourd (winter melon) seeds for sale?

At Seeds World, we offer fresh, non-GMO wax gourd seeds with clear planting instructions and fast U.S. shipping—ideal for home gardeners looking for reliable results.