Sponge Gourd, F1 Hybrid / گھیا توری

Sponge Gourd fresh seeds Quantity: 10 healthy seeds Sowing season: February March Sow in full sun

Sponge Gourd F1 Hybrid is a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety known locally as گھیا توری. It produces long, tender green fruits ideal for cooking, stir-fries, curries, and traditional dishes.

This hybrid is fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and early-bearing, making it perfect for home gardens, farms, and trellis cultivation. The fruits are nutritious, flavorful, and maintain excellent texture when cooked, while mature fruits can also be dried for natural sponges.

Growing Instructions:

1. Soil:
Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.

2. Sowing Time (Pakistan):
Best sown from March to June for summer harvest.

3. Sowing Method:

• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in nursery trays or directly in garden soil.

• Space plants 60–80 cm apart in rows with 100–120 cm between rows.

• Provide trellis support for climbing vines.

4. Sunlight:
Requires full sun for healthy growth and optimal fruit development.

5. Watering:
Water regularly; keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid waterlogging.

6. Germination:
Seeds germinate in 7–12 days under optimal conditions.

7. Care & Maintenance:

• Apply balanced fertilizer to support flowering and fruiting.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Monitor for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew.

8. Harvesting:
Fruits are ready to harvest in 50–65 days after sowing. Pick tender, medium-sized fruits for best taste. For natural sponges, allow fruits to mature fully, dry, and peel.

Features & Benefits:

• High-yielding F1 hybrid with long, tender green fruits

• Fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and early-bearing

• Ideal for cooking, stir-fries, curries, and traditional dishes

• Suitable for home gardens, farms, and trellis cultivation

• Mature fruits can be used as natural sponges