Giant Wax Gourd Heirloom Seeds (Benincasa hispida) Massive, long-storing fruit for soups, stews, and impressive harvest displays

Minimum: 10+ Seeds

Bring an ancient treasure of Asian gardens into your own with the Giant Wax Gourd, also known as Winter Melon, White Gourd, or “Petha” in India. This remarkable heirloom variety produces huge fruits that can easily reach 25–40 pounds each, with some grown under optimal conditions weighing much more. Cylindrical to oblong in shape, these gourds are covered in a pale green, waxy bloom that allows them to store for months after harvest, making them an essential survival and culinary crop.

Unlike tender summer squash, the Giant Wax Gourd is celebrated for its ability to feed families long after the growing season ends. Once harvested, the protective waxy coating enables the fruit to remain fresh for 4–6 months in a cool, dry space, providing a reliable food source throughout winter. In the kitchen, this versatile vegetable shines in soups, curries, stews, stir-fries, and even sweets and candies. Its mild, cooling flavor absorbs seasonings beautifully, pairing well with ginger, garlic, and savory spices, while in traditional Asian cuisines, candied winter melon is a cherished treat.

Gardeners love the dramatic presence of Giant Wax Gourd plants. The vigorous vines can stretch 10–15 feet long, producing lush foliage, striking yellow blossoms, and massive fruits that command attention in the garden or at the farmers’ market. Historically, wax gourd has been cultivated in China, India, and Southeast Asia for over 2,000 years, not just as a food source but also as a symbol of longevity and prosperity. In Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter melon has been valued for its cooling properties, digestive support, and ability to balance excess heat in the body.

Growing Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost date or direct sow outdoors once soil warms to at least 70°F (21°C).

• Plant in rich, well-draining soil with full sun and give vines ample space or a strong trellis for support.

• Water consistently to encourage large, healthy fruits. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Harvest when fruits reach full size, and the surface develops a characteristic whitish wax bloom.

Culinary Uses:

• Soups & Stews: Essential in Chinese winter melon soup with mushrooms, ginger, and broth.

• Curries: Absorbs spices beautifully in Indian and Southeast Asian curries.

• Stir-Fries: Adds mild, refreshing texture to quick dishes with garlic and soy sauce.

• Sweets: In India, winter melon is boiled with sugar and spices to make petha, a traditional sweet.

• Preserves: Long-cooked with sugar, it becomes candied winter melon, popular in Asian desserts.

Medicinal & Nutritional Value:

• Low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

• Traditionally used to cool the body, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote hydration.

• Recognized in herbal medicine for supporting weight management and urinary health.

Why Choose Giant Wax Gourd Heirloom Seeds?

• Massive fruit that amazes gardeners and market-goers alike.

• Exceptional storage life, making it one of the best long-term staples.

• Nutrient-rich and medicinally valuable, bridging food and wellness.

• Cultural heritage crop grown for millennia in Asia, tied to health and prosperity.

• Versatile in the kitchen—savory or sweet, this gourd adapts to countless cuisines.

If you want a plant that delivers impressive size, practical storage, culinary versatility, and cultural richness, the Giant Wax Gourd is unmatched. Whether you’re a homesteader stocking a pantry, a chef exploring traditional recipes, or a gardener seeking a showstopper, this heirloom variety deserves a place in your garden.

Plant today, harvest giants tomorrow—and enjoy the bounty for months to come.