Giant Winter Melon / Wax Gourd / Tong Gua Seeds

Giant Winter Melon Seeds Heirloom Wax Gourd Tong Gua Benincasa hispida Non-GMO Asian Soup Melon Open Pollinated Benincasa hispida Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 10 seeds Winter Melon — known across Asia as Wax Gourd or Tong Gua — is one of the most impressive and practical vegetables a home gardener can grow. This giant cultivar produces enormous, blocky round fruits that can reach 30–35 pounds at maturity, with thick, sweet white flesh and a naturally forming waxy white coating on the rind that acts as a built-in preservative. When properly cured and stored, these fruits can last up to a full year without refrigeration, making them a remarkable choice for gardeners who want a serious harvest with exceptional shelf life. A warm-season annual with strong, vigorous vines, Giant Winter Melon thrives in full sun and needs plenty of space to spread — a sturdy trellis is recommended, with slings to support the heavy fruit as it develops. Direct sow or transplant after all frost danger has passed, and plan for approximately 100-120 days to maturity. Long popular throughout China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia, the winter melon has surged in interest among American home cooks drawn to its low-carbohydrate profile and versatility in the kitchen — it shines in soups, slow braises, stir-fries, and traditional winter melon soup, where it absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully while holding its shape. Growing Tips: Sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, or start them indoors 6 weeks early. Winter melon grows best in full sun, rich soil, and lots of space to climb — give them a sturdy trellis or fence to grow on. They have a long growing season (about 100-120 days), so start early if you’re in a short-summer region. PLANTING Germination: 14 days Seed Sowing Depth: 1" deep Sowing: Soak seeds the seeds overnight. It needs warm soil temperatures to germinate. Can direct sow once outside temperatures are consistently in the 70F's or above. Or start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last spring frost date, in a larger sized pot like a solo cup, and place it over a heat mat. Days to maturity: 100-120 days