Hydroponic Bottle Gourd Plant (Lauki) in Cocopeat- Seed to Harvest
Bottle Gourd, popularly known as Calabash and scientifically as Lagenaria siceraria, is a Cucurbitaceae plant (Cucumber family). In India, it is commonly referred to as Lauki. It is a warm-weather crop that grows best at temperatures ranging from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot withstand cold or frost, so ensure that you have at least 3-5 months of the optimum temperature range (22-30 degrees) ahead of you with adequate moisture during the growing season. Bottle Gourd grows quickly, and trellising and training are essential for vines to grow vertically. It produces flowers that bloom at night and fruits that vary in shape depending on the type.
Bottle Gourd Seedlings
Seeds are a critical aspect in determining germination success and yields later on. As a result, whether hydroponics or soil-based gardening, it is always suggested to purchase good quality bottle gourd seeds to ensure optimal germination. I went with Sungro’s F1 Hybrid Vidya seeds.Because bottle gourd seeds are relatively thick, soaking them in water overnight aids in germination. It’s also a fantastic way to see if seeds are viable. Faulty seeds float to the surface, while excellent seeds settle to the bottom of the container.
Vidya Sungo F1 Hybrid Seeds of Bottle Gourd
In a jar, soak Lauki seeds in water.
Seed planting preparation
For this particular grow, I’m going to direct seed rather than raise seedlings and then transplant. Gourds grow best when seeds are sown directly, however seedlings can be raised if desired.
I need to fully moisten the media before sowing seeds because I will not water it straight after the seeds are sown. So, I’m wetting the media with water from my R.O. (Reverse Osmosis) system because we don’t need any nourishment because the seeds haven’t been sowed yet, so plain R.O. water is all we need, then I’ll water grow bags with a watering can until drainage is visible from the bottom.
- TDS of 12 ppm in RO water
- Growing media wetting
- Drainage from the grow bags’ bottoms
Planting of Seeds
Now that I’m sowing seeds directly rather than nurturing seedlings, I need to sow more than one seed per grow bag so that if germination is weak, I have a better chance of having a sufficient number of seedlings. First, I must discard the water in which the seeds were immersed.Now, I’ll drill four holes in each grow bag, each no deeper than 1 inch. Each hole will receive one seed, for a total of four seeds per grow bag. After sowing the seeds, I will cover them with the same material, just enough to conceal them but not bury them deeply.
Phases of Flowering and Fruiting
The bottle gourd plant (lauki) is flourishing and sprouting new branches. They created a trellis structure out of bamboo sticks, which will support vines. Female flowers are beginning to blossom on the shrub, and some male blooms are also appearing. Female flowers contain a little bottle gourd at their base, whilst male blooms have nothing.
Flower drop or fruit falling is a typical problem in vegetable plants, and because flowers bloom at night, bottle gourd is a little more difficult to pollinate. Also, because natural pollinators such as honey bees and other insects are in short supply in my garden, they must hand pollinate bottle gourd blooms.
How often should I water/feed my Cocopeat Hydroponic Bottle Gourd?
It is determined by the age of the plant and the size of the container/grow bag. If the plant is little, you can water it once a day or even once every two days. As the plant grows, the feed/water frequency should be increased to up to two times each day.
What should the pH of the Bottle Gourd Hydroponic Nutrient Solution be?
The pH of the hydroponic fertilizer solution should always be between 5.5 and 6.5. Aim for a value between 5.8 and 6.2 for the best outcomes.
Should I prune or 3G chop my Lauki plants?
There is no need to prune or use 3G cutting in a Bottle gourd because it has not been demonstrated to be a successful method of enhancing yields. In fact, over-pruning in Lauki may result in yield loss (Bottle Gourd)
How do you know whether a Bottle Gourd bloom is male or female?
Female Bottle Gourd flowers have tiny fruit/bottle gourd forming at their base, however, male flowers do not have any sort of tiny fruit forming at their base.
FAQ
- What is hydroponics?
A: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead.
2. What is bottle gourd (lauki)?
A: Bottle gourd, also known as lauki or calabash, is a popular vegetable in many cuisines. It has a long, cylindrical shape and a mild flavor.
3. Can bottle gourd be grown hydroponically in cocopeat?
A: Yes, bottle gourd can be grown hydroponically in cocopeat. Cocopeat is a natural and sustainable growing medium that is used in hydroponics.
4. How do you grow bottle gourd hydroponically in cocopeat?
A: To grow bottle gourd hydroponically in cocopeat, you will need to germinate the seeds first, and then plant them in a container filled with cocopeat and nutrient-rich water. The container should be placed in a well-lit area with good air circulation.
5. What are the benefits of growing bottle gourd hydroponically in cocopeat?
A: Growing bottle gourd hydroponically in cocopeat can help increase yields, reduce water usage, and eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. It is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to grow vegetables.
6. How long does it take to harvest bottle gourd grown hydroponically in cocopeat?
A: Bottle gourd typically takes 65 to 75 days to mature, from seed to harvest. The exact timing may vary depending on the growing conditions and the specific variety of bottle gourd.
7. How do you harvest bottle gourd grown hydroponically in cocopeat?
A: Bottle gourd should be harvested when it reaches the desired size and color. To harvest, simply cut the fruit from the stem using a sharp knife or scissors. Be sure to handle the fruit gently to avoid damaging the plant.