Discover the best ridge gourd seed varieties in India for high yield, disease resistance, and excellent taste—ideal for kitchen and commercial gardens.
🥒 Introduction:
Ridge gourd, also known as turai or luffa, is a popular summer vegetable widely cultivated across India for its nutritional value and culinary versatility. With its fast-growing nature and demand in local markets, choosing the right ridge gourd seed variety is essential for maximizing yield and disease resistance. Whether you’re growing for home use or commercial sale, this guide lists the top ridge gourd seed varieties in India that thrive in Indian climates and deliver consistent results.
Top Ridge Gourd Seed Varieties in India
1. Pusa Nasdar
- Developed By: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Features: Early-maturing variety with long, tender, dark green fruits; suitable for cultivation during the summer and rainy seasons.
- Ideal For: Home gardeners and small-scale farmers seeking early harvests.
2. Arka Sumeet
- Developed By: Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)
- Features: High-yielding variety with long, straight, dark green fruits; tolerant to common diseases; matures in about 60 days.
- Ideal For: Farmers looking for disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties.
3. Coimbatore Long
- Developed By: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
- Features: Long, slender fruits with good cooking quality; suitable for cultivation in southern India.
- Ideal For: Farmers in southern regions seeking region-specific varieties.
4. Indo-Us 216 F1 Hybrid
- Features: High-yielding hybrid variety with uniform, dark green fruits; good shelf life and marketability.
- Ideal For: Commercial farmers aiming for consistent quality and yield.
5. Ravina F1 Hybrid
- Features: Vigorous plants producing long, tender fruits; suitable for multiple harvests; good disease resistance.
- Ideal For: Farmers seeking hybrids with extended harvesting periods.
🌿 Top Ridge Gourd Seed Varieties in India
| Variety Name | Type | Days to Harvest | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arka Sumeet | Open Pollinated | 50–55 days | Long, tender fruits; ideal for home gardens |
| NS-426 (Namdhari) | Hybrid | 45–50 days | Uniform fruits, high yield, strong vines |
| Indam 333 | Hybrid | 48–52 days | Tolerates heat, good for extended harvest |
| Pusa Nasdar | Open Pollinated | 55–60 days | Vigorous growth, cylindrical ridged fruits |
| Seminis 909 | Hybrid | 45 days | Early maturing, attractive green fruits |
| Advanta RG 258 | Hybrid | 48–52 days | Suitable for kharif and summer season |
🌱 Growing Tips for Ridge Gourd in India
📅 Sowing Season
- North India: February–April (summer), June–July (monsoon)
- South India: Almost year-round under irrigation
🌾 Soil & Climate Requirements
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Climate: Prefers warm and humid weather
🌱 Sowing Method
- Soak seeds for 6–8 hours before sowing
- Direct sowing is recommended; space 1.5–2 feet apart
- Use raised beds or pits enriched with compost or FYM
💧 Irrigation
- Water every 4–5 days; increase frequency during flowering
- Avoid water stagnation, especially at seedling stage
🐛 Pest & Disease Management
| Issue | Organic Solution |
|---|---|
| Fruit fly | Use neem oil spray and pheromone traps |
| Powdery mildew | Apply baking soda + neem oil solution weekly |
| Aphids & jassids | Use garlic-chili spray or soap solution |
🍃 Support & Training
- Provide a strong trellis or vertical support system
- Prune excess side shoots to focus energy on fruiting
✂️ Harvesting Tips
- Harvest fruits when they are young, tender, and 10–12 inches long
- Regular picking encourages continuous fruiting
These varieties are well-suited for cultivation during the summer (February–April) and post-monsoon (September–October) seasons, when temperatures are consistently warm. Ensure adequate sunlight, regular watering, and proper support for the climbing vines to achieve optimal growth and yield.
📌 Summary:
Ridge gourd is a high-demand summer vegetable that’s easy to grow and highly productive with the right seeds. The top ridge gourd seed varieties in India, like Arka Sumeet, NS-426, and Indam 333, offer high yield potential, early maturity, and good disease resistance. With proper care, training, and organic inputs, you can enjoy a steady harvest of fresh, healthy ridge gourds all season long.
If you need assistance in selecting the right variety based on your specific region or cultivation practices, feel free to ask!
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