Ivy Gourd
Coccinia grandis
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Pl. 8261 — Coccinia grandis
Coccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandisCoccinia grandis
IOverview
Overview
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis) is a vine and herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soil, and full sun. Native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, Cambodia, and Cameroon, this plant has spread across much of Asia and Africa. Known for its edible stem and fruits, it can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its native range is limited compared to its widespread cultivation, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of the ivy gourd is its ability to adapt to various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, while remaining hardy in zones 8-11.
Quick answers
What is Ivy Gourd?
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis) is a vine and herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soil, and full sun. Native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, Cambodia, and Cameroon, this plant has spread across much of Asia and Africa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ivy Gourd thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial vine that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Hardy in temperate regions from zones 8-11, this plant prefers well-draining conditions and should be watered regularly. Propagation can occur through seeds or stem cuttings. The edible parts include the stem and fruits.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Ivy Gourd for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Ivy Gourd.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, containers or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 18°C (64°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost or directly sow in warm weather. Transplant young plants after all danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade if direct sun is too intense. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide support for vines to climb. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to control size and encourage fruiting. Harvest fruits when they turn bright green or yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough support for vines, neglecting to prune, planting in too shady a spot, and using chemical pesticides.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:stemfruits
Edible uses: The ivy gourd's stems and fruits are edible. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. The tender shoots and leaves are often prepared by boiling before being incorporated into stews or curries. Both parts of the plant can also be used fresh in salads or pickled for preservation.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia7 regions
native (7)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepal
Africa13 regions
native (13)BeninCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuinea-BissauKenyaMaliMauritania
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Central African Repu, Hainan, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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