Trichosanthes cucumerina

snake gourd

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Taxonomy

Common Names

snake gourdserpent gourdpadwal

Context

nativeRegion

Tropical Asia, including India and Southeast Asia.

usdaZones

9-12 (can be grown as an annual elsewhere).

companionPlants

Corn, Beans, Eggplant

culturalUses

Used culinarily (fruit is edible when young; mature fruit used as a vegetable or in curries). Some medicinal use in traditional Asian medicine.

Care

LightPrefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

WateringRequires regular watering, especially in dry periods. Keep soil moderately moist but not soggy.

SoilWell-draining, fertile loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

FertilizerApply a balanced, organic fertilizer during the growing season.

HumidityThrives in moderate to high humidity.

TemperatureGrows best in warm temperatures, 20–30°C (68–86°F). Sensitive to frost.

HabitAnnual or short-lived perennial climbing vine with tendrils.

Mature SizeVines can exceed 5 m (16 ft) in length.

Growth RateFast-growing during the warm season.

BloomingProduces white, fringed flowers in summer; fruiting follows in warm months.

DormancyDies back or slows growth in cooler months; annual in temperate zones.

MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings

DifficultyEasy by seed; moderate by cuttings.

Best SeasonSpring or early summer.

PruningRegular pruning to control growth and encourage branching.

RepottingNot typical, as it is usually grown as an annual. Can transplant seedlings when small.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to aphids, cucumber beetles, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

ToxicitySeeds and some plant parts may be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

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