• What are Cucurbits?
Cucurbits are a very popular group of fruiting vegetables that are scientifically called as ‘Pepo.' All the Gourds, cucumbers, squashes and melons belong to this family. Most cucurbits are tender climbers & require the support of trellis to grow properly.
In the rainy season, many cucurbit climbers tend to grow vigorously. If grown in monsoon, you can get your supply of these healthy, watery vegetables throughout the season.
Seeds are directly sown on raised beds or in big containers. Cucurbit climbers start flowering in second month itself and harvesting can continue for 2-3 months as long as same climate persists. Cucurbit climbers require specious area and plenty of sunlight to grow.
So prepare your soil, raise a trellis & sow the seeds of following monsoon cucurbits, so that you don’t miss out on these nutritious delights.
• Types of Cucurbits to Grow
1. Cucumber
These are most consumed cucurbits. Cucumbers are popular salads that come in so many different varieties. Some of them are: Green Cucumber (Long), White Cucumber (Khira), Hybrid cucumber- cinderella, Hybrid cucumber-Dynasty, Hybrid cucumber-Gypsy, Hybrid cucumber-Herlong.
Growing cucurbits, in this case cucumbers, involves planting seeds in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Ensure consistent watering and provide support for climbing varieties. Space plants adequately and use mulch to retain moisture. Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size, usually within 50-70 days from planting.
2. Bottle Gourd
Another popular household vegetable in India. This highly nutritious cucurbit comes in 2 main varieties. Here are those types that come from the Cucurbit family: Bottle gourd (Long) and Hybrid Bottle Gourd-Kapila.
Grow these Cucurbit gourds by planting the seeds in warm, fertile soil with full sunlight. Space the plants well and provide a trellis for support. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest when gourds reach full size and skin hardens, typically 100-120 days after planting.
3. Bitter Gourd
Known as ‘Karela’ in India, it is a unique vegetable-fruit that can be used as food & medicine. Grow these Cucurbit vegetables by planting seeds in warm, well-drained soil with full sunlight. Space plants adequately and provide a trellis for climbing. Water regularly and mulch to conserve moisture. Harvest when the gourds are green and tender, usually 60-70 days after planting.
4. Ridge Gourd
This is a common monsoon vegetable in India. The fruit is harvested when it’s young & unripe. These cucurbit vegetables or gourds can be grown by planting seeds in warm, fertile soil with full sunlight. Provide ample space and a sturdy trellis for support. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest when the gourds are tender and about 1-1.5 feet long, typically 60-75 days after planting.
5. Sponge gourd
This vegetable is native to India. It is similar to Ridge Gourd, but the veggie fruit has a smooth surface. Grow sponge gourds by planting these cucurbit seeds in warm, well-drained soil with full sunlight. Space plants adequately and provide a trellis for climbing. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest when the gourds are young and tender, around 60-70 days after planting, for best texture and flavor.
6. Snake gourd
These are the longest Gourds in the cucurbit family. The slender, twisted vegetables also have a lot of health benefits. You can grow these cucurbit gourds by planting seeds in warm, fertile soil with full sunlight. Provide ample space and a strong trellis for climbing. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest when the gourds are young and tender, usually 40-60 days after planting, for optimal taste and texture.7. Pumpkin
• Cucurbit Diseases
All young cucurbit plants are prone to fungal disease Powdery mildew. Spray Uathne-M 45 to control mildew problem. As a natural remedy, you can also spray cow milk mixed with water on the leaves of young cucurbit plants to prevent any fungal infection.
• Pollination of Cucurbits
Most cucurbit flowers are unisexual. This means on a same plant, different male and female flowers are produced. Usually theses flowers are pollinated by wind, ants and other insects. However you can take pollen from male flower on painting brush and dust it over female flower for assured pollination and higher yields.
