The snake gourd is native to southeastern Asia and Australia and is also grown in parts of tropical Africa. The whole fruit is eaten as a vegetable when young and can be dried and used as a soap. The leaves and shoots are also edible, and the pulp of mature fruits is sometimes eaten as a tomato substitute.
To grow snake gourd from seeds, you can follow these steps:
Prepare the soil
Snake gourds grow best in full sun and loamy soil that's at least 30 cm deep. You can sow seeds directly into the ground or in pots.
Sow the seeds
Sow 2–3 seeds per pot, or 2 seeds per hole in the ground, spaced 2 ft x 2 ft. The seeds should be about 0.8 cm deep.
Water
Lightly water the soil once a day until it's damp.
Provide warmth
Snake gourds germinate best in temperatures between 70–90ºF. You can use a heat mat to warm the soil, or cover the pots with plastic wrap.
Fertilize
After germination, fertilize the plants once a month with a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus.
Harvest
You can harvest the immature fruits about two months after sowing. The best time to harvest is in the early morning.
Protect from pests
Young snake gourd plants are vulnerable to slugs and snails. You can protect them by growing seedlings until they are at least 10 cm tall, or by using cloches or netting.
Snake gourds are related to Chinese bitter melons and are a staple of many Asian cuisines. You can find them in Asian markets, or grow your own.
