Ash gourd

Ash Gourd (Winter Melon / Kumbalanga) is a vigorous climbing vine producing large, pale-green fruits with a waxy coating and excellent keeping quality. Mild and cooling, it is a staple in South Indian cooking — used in olan, sambar, curries, juices and traditional Ayurvedic remedies. The fast-growing plants are prolific in warm climates. Sow seeds in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil, provide a strong trellis or let it trail, and harvest sizeable fruits in about 90–120 days. A rewarding, high-yield crop that stores for months — perfect for home gardens.