Bottle Gourd
Lagenaria sicerariafam. Cucurbitaceae
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Pl. C7DE — Lagenaria siceraria
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IOverview
Overview
Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a vine and forb/ herb that thrives in full sun with moist to well-drained soil, ranging from light sandy to heavy clay types. Native to Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, it has spread widely across Africa. Known for its edible parts including fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots, this annual plant can grow up to 9 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is the bottle-shaped fruit, which has made it a valued resource in many cultures for both food and non-food uses.
Quick answers
What is Bottle Gourd?
Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a vine and forb/ herb that thrives in full sun with moist to well-drained soil, ranging from light sandy to heavy clay types. Native to Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, it has spread widely across Africa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bottle Gourd thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is well-draining or loamy. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils but adapts to a variety of conditions. This annual vine can grow up to 9 meters tall, so provide ample vertical space for it to climb. Hardy in temperate regions with zones 10-12, the plant is best propagated by seed directly sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest the edible parts—fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots—as needed throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bottle Gourd for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Bottle Gourd for a successful beginner’s gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or seedling trays, compost, and a trellis.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant after the last frost in spring when temperatures are consistently above 20°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Containers should be at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant seedlings outdoors once they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade if temperatures are very high. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide support with a trellis as it grows.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to encourage fruit production and remove any dead leaves. Harvest fruits when they are firm and fully colored.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough support, and neglecting to prune can lead to poor growth and reduced yields.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:BottlesContainersCraftingoilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)CambodiaIndia
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)El SalvadorGuatemala
Africa20 regions
native (19)CameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUganda
introduced (1)Burkina Faso
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Congo, Central African Repu, Gulf of Guinea Is.
introduced:Florida
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Cucurbitaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Cucurbitaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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