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AKA Mao Qwa, Hairy Gourd, Mokwa, Mao Gua, and Little Winter Melon. This fruit is very popular in southern China. Fruits are in cylinder shape of about 2-3 inches in diameter, with hairy green skin, and are picked for vegetable use when young. The white flesh is firm, sweet and mildly flavored. Use Mao Qua as a substitute for zucchini. To retain best flavor, do not overcook. Cut into chunks for steaming, stir frying, soups or braising. Stuff hollowed Mao Qua with meat and bake. Plants are trained up along supports and should be well watered during hot summers. If wanting to save seeds, leave it on the plant until it gets quite large and stops growing so seeds are fully mature.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
| Botanical Name | Benincasa hispida var. chieh-gua |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate | 14 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds | 1 in. |
| When to Sow | Indoors 2-4 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
| Growing Height | 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) |
| Plant Spacing | 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Hardiness | N/A |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Danger | N/A |
| Growth Habit | Vines & Climbers |
| Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements | 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Days to Harvest | 80-90 |
| Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting | Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds, Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds |
| Seeds Per Pack | 25 |
