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

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

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

South Carolina last frost

mid-February

South Carolina first frost

early December

Days to harvest

50–70 days

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

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Apr 6 – Apr 26

Dates are approximate, based on South Carolina'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 South Carolina

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The Upstate is Zone 7a-7b; the coast is Zone 8a-8b. Two growing seasons are standard.