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Gourd 'Snake' / 'Longissima'

Gourd 'Snake' / 'Longissima'

Product number: 121610
Origin: Tropical Africa
Latin: Lagenaria siceraria

This enormous gourd (with an enormous number of names!) takes on the shape of a giant club when grown on a trellis. When growing on the ground, the fruits curve and twist like a thick snake. These light green, imposing fruits can reach a length of 150 cm and a thickness of 5-15 cm. When young (30 cm long), the fruit is eaten and is known as Lauki. Under that name, you can find interesting recipes online. When it gets wetter and colder (October), the harvest must be brought in. Ripe fruits dry out slowly; continuously wipe away any mold so that the fruit can lose its moisture and not rot. When fully dried, the "snakes" are light brown and can then be painted.

Names:
Latin: Lagenaria siceraria
Dutch: Kalebas
Also: Lauki
English: Bottle-Gourd, Creole: Poe, Hindustani: Lauki

Sowing method: March - May indoors. Transplanting: April in the greenhouse or late May outdoors. This white-flowering pumpkin-like plant loves a warm summer and therefore grows well in a greenhouse. But then, due to night blooming, keep windows and doors open! Outdoor cultivation usually succeeds well; let the plants climb! When well-ripened, it can be stored for several months, or even indefinitely after drying.

Sowing/planting time: