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

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

New Jersey last frost

mid-March

New Jersey first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

50–70 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 4 – May 24

Dates are approximate, based on New Jersey'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 New Jersey

New Jersey has a humid subtropical to continental climate. South Jersey is Zone 7a; North Jersey is Zone 6a-6b. Known for its produce farming — tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries.