Winter Melon / Ash Gourd / Wax Gourd (Benincasa Hispida) seeds

10+ good quality, hand-selected winter melon seeds

This variety of winter melon produces personal-sized, oblong gourds that grow to about the size of a small watermelon. As they mature, they develop a beautiful, characteristic protective powdery-white wax coating. These are much more convenient for smaller gardens or those with limited fridge space, as each melon can be finished in a couple of meals. Like mature pumpkins, an uncut melon can store in a cool, dry place for several months through the winter without refrigeration.

The crisp, mild white flesh acts like a culinary sponge, beautifully absorbing flavours in savoury soups, slow-cooked stews, stir-fries, or even used as a decorative “bowl” for steamed banquet dishes in Chinese cuisine.

Winter melon is highly frost-tender and requires a long, warm growing season (about 3 to 4 months of warm weather) to mature and develop its signature sugary wax coating. In temperate regions (such as Newcastle, where I’m based) plant in Spring to Early Summer (September to December), once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach above 20°C. In Tropical / Subtropical Climates, they can be grown almost year-round; best planted from late winter through to autumn. For cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and treat seedlings similarly to pumpkins.

This seed packet will contain 10+ good quality, hand-selected winter melon seeds collected from my garden that are untreated and ready for planting. It’s recommended to scarify the seeds before planting to improve germination rates.

*NB: both male and female flowers grow on the same vine, if insect activity is low in cooler weather, hand-pollinate by rubbing a male flower on the female flowers.

General growing information:

Days to Maturity: 90–100 days (slightly faster than the giant varieties!)

Sun: Full Sun

Sowing Depth: 1–2 cm

Plant Spacing: 60–90 cm apart, it’s recommended to grow on a trellis!