Bottle Gourd Bulb Shape, F1 Hybrid - BOLBY (Summer Late Variety)

10 seeds per pack.

BOLBY is an F1 hybrid bottle gourd variety suitable for late-season sowing. It produces light-green fruits with a distinctive bulb or pear shape under suitable growing conditions.

It can be grown in rooftop gardens, kitchen gardens, grow bags, large containers and open soil beds. The vine requires fertile, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, adequate sunlight and strong climbing support.

Growing Instructions

Sowing season:
20 June to 15 August

Recommended for late-season sowing in warm-climate areas.

Sowing method:
Sow the seeds directly in the final container or growing location. Nursery preparation and transplanting are not recommended.

Soak the seeds in clean water for 4–5 hours or overnight before sowing. Sow two seeds approximately 1–1.5 inches deep.

After germination, retain the healthier seedling and carefully remove the weaker one.

Recommended containers:
Grow one plant per container. Suitable options include:

• 12 × 12-inch grow bag

• 11 × 10-inch grow bag

• 12-inch clay pot or a similarly sized container

Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes.

Soil:
Use rich, soft and well-draining soil. A recommended mixture is:

50% Bhalu Mitti
50% organic matter, preferably vermicompost

Sunlight:
Provide approximately 6–8 hours of sunlight, preferably including morning sunlight.

During extremely hot weather, keep newly sown containers in bright shade. After germination, gradually introduce the young plant to direct sunlight.

Climbing support:
Install a strong bamboo, metal or net trellis at an early stage. Guide the vine upward and allow enough space for the fruits to hang freely and develop their natural bulb or pear shape.

Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the upper soil layer begins to dry.

During rainfall, make sure excess water drains quickly from the container.

Feeding:
Mix vermicompost into the soil before sowing. During active growth, apply a suitable vegetable fertilizer according to its labelled instructions.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as it may encourage excessive leaf growth instead of balanced flowering and fruit development.

Pollination:
Male flowers commonly appear before female flowers.

If natural fruit setting is limited, hand pollination may be carried out early in the morning. Transfer pollen gently from a freshly opened male flower to the centre of a female flower.

Female flowers can be identified by the small immature fruit behind the flower.

Plant care:
Maintain proper spacing and good airflow. Remove weeds and yellow, weak or damaged leaves when required.

Protect young plants from intense afternoon sunlight during extremely hot weather. Avoid overcrowding and standing water.

Harvesting:
Harvest the fruits while they are young, tender, smooth and light green. Avoid leaving them on the vine until they become overmature.

Frequent harvesting can support the continued development of new fruits.

Important Safety Notice

These seeds are treated and intended for sowing only. Do not use the packaged seeds as food, animal feed or for oil extraction. Keep them out of the reach of children and animals.

Quick Growing Guide

• Late-season sowing

• Direct sowing

• One plant per recommended container

• Rich, soft and well-draining soil

• Strong climbing support

• Approximately 6–8 hours of sunlight

• Consistent moisture without waterlogging

Pack quantity: 10 seeds.