Gourd Seeds - Chinese Okra

Gourd Seeds - Chinese Okra

Requires a long, warm growing season. Prepare fertile, well drained soil. Sow seeds in spring/early summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. The seed coat is hard and should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours or gently clip the seed tip to help the seed germinate. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4' tall. Space mounds 4-6' apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Hand pollination may be necessary. Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation, straighter fruit and ease of harvest. To process for luffa sponges, allow gourds to hang on the vine until they are fully mature and the skin hardens/dries. Remove skin and seeds. Prepare luffa as you would zucchini. Lightly stir-fry thin slices or add to soup. Steam or deep-fry thick slices. Also delicious stuffed with pork and braised.

Alt names: angled luffa, boap liam, cabatiti, cee gwa, Chinese okra, dishcloth gourd, ewes, gambas, hoyong, ito uri, jhingta tori, jingi, kalitori, ketala manis, ketola, ling chiao si qua, muop huong, muop khia, oyong, patola, patola tagalog, petola, petola sagi, petola segi, ridged gourd, si gua, sponge gourd, sze kwa, tokado hechima, torai, tsee gwa, vegetable gourd, veta kola, you lin si gua.

Seeds Per Package

• 2 g packet - Approximately 10 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 140 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 560 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 2,240 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 11,200 Seeds