Bottle Gourd

Bottle Gourd (Churakka / Lauki) is a vigorous climbing vine producing long, pale-green fruits with mild, tender flesh that’s cooling and easy to digest. A South Indian staple, it’s delicious in thoran, curries, kootu, juices and traditional remedies. Fast-growing and prolific, the vines crop heavily in warm climates. Sow seeds in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil, provide a strong overhead trellis, water regularly, and harvest young fruits in about 60–70 days. Healthy, high-yielding and easy to grow, bottle gourd is a rewarding crop for home and terrace gardens.