OTHER COMMON NAMES: White Gourd / White Pumpkin / Tallow Gourd / Ash Gourd / Winter Melon / Gourd Melon / Chinese Watermelon / Chinese Preserving Melon
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Benincasa Hispida (Thunb) Cong . . . COLOR: Green Skin / White Flesh . . . HARVEST: 80 Days
PLANT HEIGHT: 6 - 12" . . . PLANT SPACING: 15 - 20'
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun . . . SOIL / WATER: Average
The Wax gourd's fruit has green skin that is covered with white waxy coating. They can grow up to 4' long and 2' around, weighing an average of 15-20 pounds. Their flesh is white, crisp, juicy, and mild flavored. They can be eaten raw or cooked like a vegetable and enjoyed in any number of dishes. The Wax Gourd is also popular in Asian cuisine. The fruit is nutritious and even has some medicinal uses. The plants are vining in habit, and grow very similarly to watermelons. Wax gourds can be stored for 2-6 months after harvest.