My Ivy Gourd Journey: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest in Thailand

Hua Hin Services presents "My Ivy Gourd Journey," a guide for cultivating Tamleung (ตำลึง) in HuaHins's tropical climate. Learn tips on planting, care, and harvesting this versatile vine, perfect for Hua Hin gardens.

The Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis), known in Thai as ตำลึง (Tamleung), is a fast-growing perennial vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand, for its edible leaves, shoots, and fruits. Below is a detailed care guide for growing Ivy Gourd in Hua Hin’s tropical garden conditions.

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1. Climate & Growing Conditions

• Temperature: Thrives in 25–35°C (warm, humid climate).
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun (6–8 hours daily) but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0–7.5. Sandy loam or organic-rich soil is ideal.
• Humidity: Adapts well to Hua Hin’s coastal humidity but avoid waterlogged soil.

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2. Planting & Propagation

Propagation Methods:

• Seeds: Soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing. Germinates in 1–2 weeks.
• Cuttings: Use 20–30 cm vine cuttings with nodes. Plant directly in soil or water until roots develop.
• Layering: Bury a section of the vine; roots will form at nodes.

Planting Tips:

• Space plants 1–2 meters apart (vigorous climber).
• Provide trellises, fences, or arbors for support (reduces disease risk and improves yield).

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3. Watering & Fertilization

• Watering:
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy.
  • Reduce watering in the rainy season (Hua Hin’s monsoon).
• Fertilization:
  • Organic: Apply compost or manure every 2–3 months.
  • Chemical: Balanced NPK (10-10-10 or 15-15-15) monthly during growth.
  • Foliar spray: Use seaweed extract for healthier leaves.

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4. Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune regularly to control growth and encourage bushiness.
• Remove yellow/diseased leaves to prevent fungal infections.
• Mulch with dried leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

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5. Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Fruit flies: Use pheromone traps or neem oil.
• Aphids/Whiteflies: Spray with soapy water or chili-garlic solution.
• Leaf miners: Remove affected leaves.

Diseases:

• Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation; spray baking soda solution (1 tbsp/L water).
• Root rot: Avoid overwatering; use well-draining soil.

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6. Harvesting

• Leaves/Shoots: Harvest young leaves and tender shoots (best flavor).
• Fruits: Pick when green and firm (5–7 cm long). Overripe fruits turn red and bitter, but the birds like them very much!
• Frequency: Harvest every 1–2 weeks to promote continuous growth.

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7. Culinary & Medicinal Uses

• Thai dishes: Used in stir-fries, soups (e.g., แกงจืดตำลึง), and salads. Recipe: Vegetarian Red Curry with Coconut Milk, Turmeric, and Ivy Gourd
• Medicinal benefits:
  • Rich in beta-carotene, iron, and vitamin C.
  • Traditionally used to regulate blood sugar (antidiabetic properties).
  • read in details Health Benefits of Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis), known as ตำลึง (tamlueng)

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8. Special Tips for Hua Hin Gardens

• Wind protection: Coastal winds may damage vines; use windbreaks if needed.
• Salt tolerance: Moderately tolerant; rinse leaves if exposed to sea spray.
• Rainy season care: Ensure drainage to prevent root rot.

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By following these guidelines, Ivy Gourd (Tamleung) will thrive in your Hua Hin tropical garden, providing both edible and ornamental value. Happy gardening! 🌿

Let your garden follow nature’s rhythm 🌾
Our Hua Hin garden calendar shares the right time to prune, plant, and harvest—season by season. 🥭🌱
Explore the wisdom of local gardening here.