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

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

New York last frost

early April

New York first frost

late October

Days to harvest

50–70 days

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

Start indoors

Mar 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 21 – Jun 10

Dates are approximate, based on New York'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 York

New York ranges from Zone 6b in New York City to Zone 4a in the Adirondacks. Western New York near Lake Erie has a unique microclimate excellent for Concord grapes.