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

US · USDA Zone 12b · zones 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b

Won't grow here

Bottle gourd needs sustained heat that your zone cannot reliably provide outdoors.

Plant zones

8a–11b

Hawaii last frost

no frost

Hawaii first frost

no frost

Days to harvest

50–70 days

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

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 1

Harvest

Feb 20 – Mar 12

Dates are approximate, based on Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Hawaii is tropical with year-round warmth. Zone varies dramatically by elevation — coastal areas are Zone 11-12 while Mauna Kea slopes reach Zone 9. Year-round growing throughout.