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Can You Grow Bottle Gourd (Lauki / Doodhi) in British Columbia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 8 · zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Grows well here

Bottle gourd vines thrive in your warm climate — give them a strong trellis and they will produce abundantly.

Plant zones

8a–11b

British Columbia last frost

early March

British Columbia first frost

early December

Days to harvest

50–70 days

When to plant Bottle Gourd (Lauki / Doodhi)s in British Columbia

Start indoors

Feb 1

Transplant

Mar 1

Harvest

Apr 20 – May 10

Dates are approximate, based on British Columbia's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Bottle Gourd (Lauki / Doodhi)

Bottle gourd (lauki, doodhi) is a vigorous climbing vine producing large pale-green gourds used in Indian cooking for dals, curries, halwa, and juice. One of the fastest-producing warm-season vegetables once heat arrives.

Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Needs a strong trellis — vines grow 10-15 feet. Nick seeds and soak overnight for best germination. Harvest at 12-18 inches for eating — let a few mature fully as decorative gourds. Needs consistent heat to produce well.

Full bottle gourd (lauki / doodhi) growing guide →

Gardening in British Columbia

BC has dramatically different climates. The mild rainy coast (Zone 7-9) allows near-year-round growing. The interior is semi-arid (Zone 5-7) with hot summers and cold winters. One of Canada's most productive growing regions.