Lagenaria siceraria var longis, Upo, lauki or huzi / hulu, suzza melon - Climbing herb, one of the 1st cultivated plants in the world, grown for food, & used as water carriers, Found in the New World prior to Christopher Columbus. Edible Fresh fruit picked when young & soft, with white flesh, light-green smooth skin & a long, plump shape tapering toward the stem, up to 3 ft long, best picked at 10 inches. Taste like tender, creamy Courgettes, looks like green rounders bats dangling from wildly growing, huge edible leaved vines & white flowers. BUT, let it mature. Pick and dry it, then its hard enough hollow out to become the well-known bottle gourd (or hanging bird hut), Seed Count Approx - 8 avg
SOWING - Direct sow seeds or transplant 15- to 20-day old seedlings. Prefers very well-drained, moist, rich soil, plenty of moisture in the growing season & a warm sunny position away from the wind. Containers are fine but allow to spread on a trellis or fence.