Snake gourd Trichosanthes cucumerina
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is an annual vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Snake gourd in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Snake gourd at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 7–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young fruit (cooked) |
| Native to | South and Southeast Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Snake gourd toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Mature fruit is bitter; eat only young fruit.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Snake gourd
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C
Questions about Snake gourd
- How far apart should I plant Snake gourd?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Snake gourd need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Snake gourd need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Snake gourd?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Snake gourd flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 7–10 weeks.
- Is Snake gourd poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Mature fruit is bitter; eat only young fruit.
- What grows well with Snake gourd?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Snake gourd. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers have lacy fringed petals that open at night. Hang a stone on the fruit tip to grow it straight.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
- Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
- Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
- Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo
- Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
- Bitter melon Momordica charantia
- Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca