Irrigation

• During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at 3-4 days interval
• Irrigate at alternate days during flowering/fruiting

Weeding

• Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application.

Aftercare

• For trailing, spread dried twigs on the ground
• Earthing up may be done during rainy season.

Trailing

• Ash gourd is grown trailing on the ground by spreading dried twigs and coconut fronds on the ground.

Pollination

• Ash gourd is a cross pollinated crop. Insects, especially bees, pollinate flowers. Pollination can be a problem during the wet season since bees are less active during overcast conditions. Introduction of bee-hives ensures good pollination and avoids the need for hand pollination.

Hormone Application

• Spraying vines with flowering hormones increases the number of female flowers and can double the number of fruits. For example, one application of gibberellic acid at 25-100 ppm increases female flowers by 50 % and can work for up to 80 days. Application of ethrel (an ethylene releasing compound) has also been found to increase female flowers.