Ridge Gourd Seeds (Luffa acutangula) are a popular vegetable of the Indian diet. It is cultivated in hot and humid weather. You can grow it easily from seeds, and with proper care you can have a healthy crop.

Number of seeds	10
Sowing month	Feb to Nov
Harvest	45 to 75 days
Sun	Full Sun
Sowing Temperature	Day time above 28C

Firstly Ridge gourd grows well in hot temperatures of 25–35°C in India. Summer season (February to April) and monsoon (June to August) are ideal sowing times. It can be grown throughout the year in the southern regions with mild winters.

For stimulating germination, soak the seeds of the ridge gourd overnight in water. This will restore water to the hard seed coat and speed sprouting. Alternatively, put the seeds in a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for 24 hours.

The ridge gourd needs plenty of sunlight and a climbing frame. Sow in well-draining fertile soil in full sun. Pot culture can be undertaken in a 12-inch wide and deep pot. Compost or well-rotted cow dung can be added to prepare the soil.

Direct sowing  Plant seeds in the ground 1 inch deep. Space them 12–18 inches apart so they have space for magnificent vine development. Water slowly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination within 7–10 days.

Ridge Gourd Seeds Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, soon give a strong trellis, fence, or vertical support. The ridge gourd is a creeper and grows very well with good support. It will stay above ground if given good support.

Water the crops regularly, particularly in summer but not too much. So the soil must always be wet. Use organic manure like compost, cow dung manure, or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks. Compost tea liquid fertilizer is also a good idea.

Take care against pests like whiteflies, aphids, and caterpillars hence repel them by employing garlic-pepper spray or neem oil. Leaves are susceptible to downy and powdery mildew; therefore, provide favorable air circulation and water at other times except for leaves that are moist.

Ridge gourd maintains the male and female flowers apart from one another. Bees and butterflies pollinate it, but if there is some delay in fruit setting, hand pollination by brushing gently with pollen from one flower to the next is acceptable.

Lastly, Ridge gourds are harvest-ready in 45–60 days. Pick when they are 6–12 inches long, soft green. Left on the plant longer, it becomes tough and non-edible.

Capsicum green is a good companion with ridge gourd

Attend well to your ridge gourd vine and it will bear fruit till or weeks. Enjoy your delicious homegrown, organic ridge gourds in yummy Indian dishes also.