Regulated in some states
This plant is listed as a noxious or regulated weed in parts of the US, where it may be illegal to grow. Check your state and local regulations before planting it.
Ivy Gourd
Coccinia grandis
vegetableIvy gourd (Coccinia grandis) is a fast, perennial climbing vine of the tropics with glossy, ivy-shaped leaves and white star-shaped flowers, grown for its small, smooth, cucumber-like fruit and tender shoots, both popular cooked vegetables in India and Southeast Asia. In frost-free climates it crops nearly year-round and can become very large and vigorous. That same vigor makes it a serious invasive weed where it escapes: it is a designated noxious weed in Hawaii, where it smothers vegetation and is illegal to grow. Grow it only on a strong trellis and keep it contained.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 5 days
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Harvest
~1 yr
to first harvest
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
3-6 ft apart on a strong trellis
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Planting Depth
Set transplants at the depth they grew; roots readily from cuttings
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Fertile, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9 – 12
When to Fertilize
Feed lightly through the warm season
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer or compost
🌱 Growing Guide
Grow ivy gourd in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil in a frost-free or nearly frost-free climate (about USDA zones 9 to 12); it is killed by frost. Plant it on a strong, tall trellis or fence and provide steady moisture and warmth. It grows extremely fast and roots where stems touch the ground, so prune and contain it firmly and never let it spread into natural areas. It is dioecious, so both a male and female plant, or a self-fruitful selection, are needed for fruit. Do not plant it in Hawaii, where it is a prohibited noxious weed, and check local rules before planting in any frost-free area.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 28 · Year 2
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Year 1
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Lemongrass: A clumping tropical that shares the same warm conditions and mulches the root zone
- Marigold: Helps deter nematodes and draws beneficial insects
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Sting the small fruit; bag fruit, use traps, and remove any infested fruit
Cluster on tender shoots; rinse off and conserve natural enemies
Stipple leaves in hot dry weather; rinse foliage and raise humidity
Cause root galls; rotate and add organic matter
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest ivy gourd fruit young, while it is firm and green, when it is mild and crisp for cooking; left to ripen it turns bright red, soft, and sweet but is usually past its best as a vegetable. Tender shoot tips and young leaves are also picked and cooked as greens. Pick frequently, which also helps keep the vigorous vine in check.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Ivy gourd is low in calories and a source of fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The young fruit and shoots are cooked in curries and stir-fries.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.