Tai Guo, Gourd Seeds

Tai Guo (F1) Gourd Seed

Large dark-green fruits contain thick, substantial flesh
Vigorous vines thrive in consistently warm weather
Trellising supports straighter fruit and easier harvesting
A productive bitter melon for global cuisines

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Momordica charantia

Days to maturity

90 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

20 Seeds

About Tai Guo, (F1) Gourd Seed, Gourd Seed

Tai Guo bitter gourd is a widely grown variety of bitter melon! These large fruits have bright skin that is dark green in color with thick flesh. Tai Guo bitters are vigorous, fast growing in warmer climates. It is suggested to grow this gourd along supports. Taiwan Large Bitter is very productive and easy to grow, making it a favorite!

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

6-12'

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

8-16"

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

195

Color

Green

Seed Type

Hybrid

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Gourd benefits from a full-sun, warm location with fertile, well-drained soil and ample space for vines. Incorporate compost and correct nutrients according to a soil test, then shape raised beds or hills where drainage is slow. Wait until the soil is warm, and install trellises before planting if gourd will be trained vertically.

Planting

Gourd can be direct-sown after frost when soil reaches about 65–70°F, or started indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in individual cells. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence. Harden seedlings gradually and transplant without disturbing the sensitive roots. Allow 3–5 feet between ground-grown gourds, or about 18–24 inches when vines are trained on a strong trellis.

Watering

Gourd requires deep, regular watering as vines grow and fruit develops. Keep the root zone evenly moist without saturation, and avoid wetting foliage or blossoms whenever possible.

Fertilizer

Gourd is a moderate to heavy feeder. Apply balanced nutrients according to soil-test results, emphasizing steady fertility and limiting nitrogen once flowering and fruit development begin.

Harvesting

Harvest ornamental gourds when vines and stems dry and shells become hard. Cut them with several inches of stem attached, handle gently to avoid bruising, and cure in a warm, ventilated location.

Tips

Mulch around gourd after soil warms to suppress weeds and protect fruit. Avoid moving established vines, and guide growth early so paths and neighboring crops remain accessible.

AVG. Seeding Rate

2 seeds every 36–48"; 50–67 seeds/100'

Pests & Diseases

Gourds share powdery and downy mildews, bacterial wilt, anthracnose, and gummy stem blight with other cucurbits. Control cucumber beetles early, rotate the crop, and choose resistant varieties where offered. Discard fruit with soft lesions; only fully sound, cured gourds should be kept for crafts or seed.

Monitor gourd for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers, and mites. Inspect stems and leaf undersides, handpick adults and eggs, and remove severely damaged vines.