This perennial species of snake gourd is known as an edible fruited type that can be grown for its sweet orange fruit. The plants are either male or female which is a 50-50 mix in the seeds and plants we offer. Gua lou produces a beautiful evening and night flower that can be seen in the morning if it doesn't get too hot early on.
This vine is quite vigorous with a solid large tuberous root system. The root is a long non stolon forming root. The vine can spread by touching down on the soil and self root. For this reason and having the best yields, it is way better to trellis this vine to get the maximum benefits. A 7 ft. or taller trellis is ideal. We have had them grow up trees and fruit which is kind of cool to harvest using pole pruners. The question becomes what to do with the fruit. It's overly sweet with no strong flavor and like the pawpaw, how many can you eat? The flower is spectacular and you wonder what pollinates it at night.
To germinate the seeds: Plant 1/2 inch deep. Seeds can be filed prior to planting or soaking in water for 24 hours. The seeds have a hard seed coat and may take quite a while to germinate so we recommend sprouting them inside and then planting to get the maximum germination. Plants will not fruit the first year some do flower the first year.
| Plant Specs |
| Genus & Species |
Trichosanthes kirilowii |
| Hardiness |
-20 F or more root hardy. |
| Height (ft) |
20 ft. plus vine |
| Width (ft) |
Multi vined from a single root. |
| Soil |
Not particular. |
| Ease of Cultivation |
Other than the dioecious nature of the plants, the question becomes what to do with the fruit. The flavor is very sweet to eat fresh but it may be something that can be used for something after processing the fruit. The perennial roots do not run and are not stolon forming however the vine can self root as it touches down. These self rooted vines normally do not live through the first year. However a portion will so putting it in an area to prevent this would be a good idea if you do not want an ever expanding gua-loa population. Such is the life of a vine-always looking for something to climb on! |
