Top Sponge Gourd Seed Varieties in India

Top Sponge Gourd Seed Varieties in India

Explore top sponge gourd seed varieties in India with high yield, early maturity, and disease resistance for farming and home gardening.

🌿 Introduction:

Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica), known as “ghiya tori” or “nenua” in India, is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich vegetable crop popular in Indian kitchens for its soft texture and digestibility. It grows well in warm and humid climates and is a preferred crop among Indian farmers due to its short duration, frequent harvesting, and good market demand. To ensure a productive and profitable harvest, it’s important to choose the right variety. This guide showcases the top sponge gourd seed varieties in India, selected for high yield, uniform fruit size, early maturity, and disease resistance—ideal for both commercial growers and kitchen gardeners.

1. Kashi Saumya (VRSGH-3) – F1 Hybrid

• Developed By: ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR)
• Features: Medium-maturing hybrid with attractive dark green fruits; resistant to sponge gourd mosaic virus; suitable for riverbed cultivation.
• Ideal For: Farmers seeking disease-resistant varieties for specific cultivation conditions. iivr.icar.gov.in

2. Daeve F1, Divya F1, Suramya F1

• Developed By: East-West Seed
• Features: High-yielding hybrids with uniform fruit shape and size; suitable for tropical climates.
• Ideal For: Commercial farmers aiming for consistent quality and yield. eastwestseed.com+1Desikheti+1

3. Extra Long Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica)

• Features: Prolific, vigorous variety producing extra-long gourds up to 33 inches; green skin with excellent flavor; yields up to 15 fruits per plant.
• Ideal For: Gardeners seeking high-yielding varieties with extended fruit length. The Amazing Seeds

4. Sheo (Bihari Type)

• Features: Smooth-skinned variety with cylindrical fruits measuring 8–12 inches; edible when immature; mature fruits can be used as natural sponges.
• Ideal For: Gardeners interested in dual-purpose varieties for consumption and household use. Seeds of India+1Inherited Seeds+1

5. F1 White Long Sponge Gourd

• Features: Produces long, soft, attractive cylindrical vegetables with green and slightly white skin; high fiber and mineral content.
• Ideal For: Home gardeners seeking nutritious and easy-to-grow varieties. Organicbazar

6. Leela, Sita, Preeti

• Developed By: Greenfield Seeds
• Features: Early to medium-maturing varieties with first picking between 35–55 days after sowing.
• Ideal For: Farmers looking for varieties with quick turnaround times. Green Field Seeds

7. Safal Seeds Varieties

• Developed By: Safal Seeds
• Features: High-quality seeds with consistent germination, disease resistance, and robust plant growth.
• Ideal For: Farmers seeking reliable seed performance across various conditions. eastwestseed.com+5safalseeds.in+5Desikheti+5

🌱 Top Sponge Gourd Seed Varieties in India – Comparison Table

Variety	Type	Key Features	Disease Resistance	Ideal Use
Pusa Sneha	Open Pollinated	Early maturity, long straight fruits	Tolerant to downy mildew	Open field/kitchen garden
Arka Sumeet	Open Pollinated	Dark green ridged fruits, high yield	Moderate disease resistance	Commercial farming
NS 426	Hybrid	Cylindrical, tender fruits, good shelf life	Powdery mildew resistant	Market supply
Nunhems Sunehri	Hybrid	Uniform, straight fruits, prolific bearer	High resistance	Trellised/polyhouse growing
CO-1	Open Pollinated	Vigorous vines, consistent yield	Moderate resistance	Small farms & home gardens
Kashi Divya	Hybrid	Medium-long fruits, excellent quality	Resistant to major diseases	Intensive farming

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🧺 Tips for Successful Sponge Gourd Cultivation:

• Use trellising or vertical support for straighter, cleaner fruits.
• Sow during spring and monsoon for best results.
• Ensure regular watering during flowering and fruiting.
• Harvest every 2–3 days to promote continuous production.

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📌 Summary:

Sponge gourd is a valuable and easy-to-grow vegetable in India. The top sponge gourd seed varieties in India are chosen for their high productivity, soft and uniform fruits, and adaptability to different regions. Whether cultivated in open fields, kitchen gardens, or trellised systems, these improved varieties ensure better harvests and profitability for farmers and gardeners alike.

🧑‍🌾 Organic Sponge Gourd Cultivation Guide – India Edition

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🌱 1. Variety Selection

Choose high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties suited for organic cultivation:

Recommended Varieties	Type	Traits
Pusa Sneha	Open Pollinated	Early, straight fruits, tender flesh
Arka Sumeet	Open Pollinated	High-yielding, medium-long fruits
Kashi Divya	Hybrid	Good quality, disease resistance

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🗓️ 2. Sowing Time

• North India: February–March (Spring), June–July (Monsoon)
• South India: Almost year-round with irrigation

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📍 3. Soil & Site Preparation

• Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Add well-rotted compost or FYM (Farmyard Manure) – 20–25 tons/acre before sowing.

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🌼 4. Organic Inputs

• Seed Treatment: Use Trichoderma viride (5g/kg seed)
• Fertilizer Schedule:
  • Basal: Neem cake + compost
  • Top dressing: Jeevamrut or Panchagavya spray every 15–20 days

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🌿 5. Crop Management

• Spacing: 1.5 x 1 meter or sow along a trellis
• Support System: Install vertical nets or bamboo trellis to get straighter fruits and reduce rot
• Mulching: Use straw or black mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture

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🐛 6. Pest & Disease Control (Organic)

Issue	Solution
Fruit fly	Neem oil spray (5 ml/litre) weekly
Powdery mildew	Spray diluted cow milk or baking soda
Aphids/mites	Spray neem oil + garlic solution

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🧺 7. Harvesting

• First harvest: 45–60 days after sowing
• Harvest every 2–3 days to promote continuous flowering and fruiting
• Avoid overripe fruits to maintain vine productivity

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📦 8. Organic Seed Sourcing Tips (India):

Supplier	Website/Contact	Offerings
IARI (Pusa Institute)	www.iari.res.in	Certified open-pollinated varieties
Beejwala	beejwala.com	Organic & heirloom sponge gourd seeds
AgriBegri	agribegri.com	F1 and OP seeds from reputed brands
Swaraj Organics	Search via Amazon/Flipkart	Organic-certified vegetable seeds
Navdanya Biodiversity Farm	navdanya.org	Indigenous, desi vegetable seeds

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.

If you need assistance in selecting the right variety based on your specific region or cultivation practices, feel free to ask!