Also known as Annual Gourd · Club Gourd · Long Tomato
Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is a vigorous climbing vine producing elongated, slender fruits often curved, used as a vegetable.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells and fruiting.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular Feeding
75% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer during growth, switching to higher phosphorus when flowering.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Snake gourd prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods, but never let the soil dry out completely, especially during fruiting.
Prune snake gourd to improve air circulation and direct energy towards fruit production. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves. For vining types, you can pinch back the tips of the main stem to encourage branching.
Remove excess male flowers if fruit set is poor.
Snake gourd is primarily propagated by seeds. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures are warm (around 20-25°C).
Seeds can also be started indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost and transplanted carefully to avoid root disturbance.
Snake gourd is typically grown as an annual and does not require repotting. If grown in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the mature plant and its extensive root system.
Repot only if the plant becomes severely root-bound, usually into a larger container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina)
Where Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Trichosanthes |
| Species | Trichosanthes cucumerina |
Similar in genus Trichosanthes
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
