25–27°C
Ideal temp
A Collaboration of
A Collaboration of
Kharif and Zaid Crop · Cucurbitaceae Family
Sponge Gourd is a fast-growing, warm-season vegetable grown across India in two seasons. It is cultivated for fresh vegetable markets and domestic use. The crop has a total field duration of 90–120 days with a continuous harvest window of 6 to 8 weeks.
First harvest: 45–55 days
Two seasons: Zaid and Kharif
Optimal temp: 25–27°C
70–80 qtl per acre
25–27°C
Ideal temp
Sandy loam
Best soil
45–55 days
First harvest
90–120 days
Total duration
70–80 qtl
Yield/acre
Feb–Mar (temp 25–30°C)
Zaid sowing
June–July (temp 25–35°C)
Kharif sowing
Sponge Gourd completes five growth stages from germination to the end of the harvest period. Total crop duration is 90 to 120 days.
Germination
अंकुरण
Vine growth
Day 15–20
Flowering
Day 35–40
First harvest
Day 45–55
Season ends
Day 90–120
Basic agronomic and physical characteristics of the Sponge Gourd crop.
Plant type
Long climbing vine
Fruit colour
Green, smooth surface
Fruit length
20–25 cm
Taste
Mild, tender when young
Water need
Every 7–10 days in summer
Temperature
25–27°C optimal growth
Variety selection depends on cropping season, soil type, and target market. Hybrid varieties generally produce higher and more uniform yields. Open pollinated varieties have lower seed cost.
Green straight fruits, good yield, widely adaptable across North and South India
Dark green uniform fruits, preferred in wholesale markets, suitable for UP and Delhi
Dark green straight fruits, resistant to mosaic and downy mildew, suited for Kharif season
High yield potential, extended fruiting period, suitable for commercial markets
Tolerant to multiple diseases, suitable for river bed cultivation in Uttar Pradesh
Light green fruits, high fruit count per plant, suited for summer and Kharif seasons
Indicative figures for one acre under standard management conditions. Actual returns vary with season, variety, and market access.
Common pests, diseases, and management issues in sponge gourd cultivation. Early identification and timely management help reduce crop loss.
Maggots infest fruit internally causing premature dropping and making fruit unmarketable. Collect and destroy infested fruits. Use attractants such as citronella or eucalyptus oil to trap adults. Monitor the field every 3 to 4 days from 30–35 days after sowing.
White powdery spots form on leaf surfaces and expand into large blotches; infected plants produce fewer and smaller fruits. Apply Wettable Sulphur 0.2% or Propiconazole 25% EC at first sign of infection.
Yellow to pale green spots on the upper leaf surface with velvety fuzz underneath; leaves dry up quickly if untreated. Use drip irrigation instead of overhead sprinklers. Apply Mancozeb 2 gm per litre of water.
Twisted and curled leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. Spray Imidacloprid 0.5 ml per litre of water. Remove heavily infested plant parts and apply neem oil as a preventive measure.
Though more tolerant than other cucurbits, the crop performs best on well-drained raised beds, particularly during Kharif season.
Sponge Gourd is grown commercially across a range of agro-climatic zones in India.
Hindi
05:06
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
Hindi
05:28
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
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04:52
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
Hindi
06:10
Sowing Methods and Best Practices
Hindi
05:45
Sowing Methods and Best Practices
Hindi
07:20
Irrigation Scheduling for Wheat
Hindi08:00
Fertilizer Application
Hindi06:30
Fertilizer Application
Hindi05:45
Fertilizer Application
Hindi09:15
Harvesting and Threshing
Hindi07:40
Harvesting and Threshing
Hindi06:22
Harvesting and Threshing
Wheat is grown as a Rabi crop, sown from October to December and harvested from March to May.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are among the major wheat-producing states.
Wheat is grown as a Rabi crop, sown from October to December and harvested from March to May.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are among the major wheat-producing states.
