A super fun plant to grow with vigorous vines and generous production of edible gourds of various shapes and sizes. Popular in Indian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisines, Snakegourds originated in the Asian tropics and are at home in our hot, humid Florida summers where they grow easily. 

Snakegourds have been known in Europe and America for a long time. Seeds were sent from China to Europe as early as 1720, but they were rarely cultivated because they need warm nights to reliably produce fruit. Luckily, we have plenty of those here in Florida! 

We always have so much fun growing this plant, inviting visitors into our magical gourd tunnel, and marveling at its super fabulous, extra flowers. It’s a true garden showstopper!

In the kitchen, think of snake gourd much like a summer squash such as zucchini or yellow squash. Harvest the gourds while they are young and tender, then cook and enjoy them just as you would summer squash. 

If you let the fruits mature, they eventually turn bright orange and become very soft. At this stage, you can save the seeds and enjoy the delicious red pulp surrounding each seed.