Manuring
Apply FYM @ 20-25 t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full dose of P2O5 (25 kg) and K2O (25 kg/ha). The remaining dose of N (35 kg) can be applied in two equal split doses at fortnightly interval. A fertilizer dose of 70:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O / ha in several splits. The fertilizer dose per pit would be 28:10:10 g N:P2O5:K2O.
Irrigation
During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at 3-4 days interval, and alternate days during flowering and fruiting. Furrow irrigation is the ideal method of irrigating. During rainy season, drainage is essential for plant survival and growth.
Staking and trellising
Bottle gourd can be trailed either on pandals or on the ground; pandals being the most common trailing system used in Kerala. For this, pandals of 1.5 m height are erected using bamboo poles, wooden stakes, GI pipes or other sturdy materials, when the plants start vining. Steel wires/strings, preferably coated with rust proof materials like plastic are used to connect the stakes, and to which coir or plastic ropes are tied in a crisscross manner so that horizontal coir/plastic ropes run across on the top forming a net. Vines are supported by bamboo stakes, which help vines freely climb and reach the top. Alternatively, bottle gourd can also be trailed on the ground without erecting any pandal by spreading dried twigs on the ground.
Pruning
To improve yield, remove lateral branches until the runner reaches the top of the trellis. Leave 4-6 laterals and cut the tip of the main runner to induce early cropping. Removal of lateral branches in the first 10 nodes has a positive effect on total yield. Without pruning, most of the female flowers occur between the 10th and 40th nodes, or at a height of 0.5-2.0 m.
Pollination
Bottle 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 beehives ensure good pollination and avoid the need for hand pollination.
Hormone application
Spraying vines with flowering hormones at six to eight leaf stage increase 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 been found to increase femaleness in bottle gourd.
Weed control
Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up is done during rainy season. Hand or hoe weeding can be performed as needed. Mulching is commonly used for bottle gourd crops grown on raised beds. Use organic or plastic mulch depending on availability. Mulch can be laid down before or after transplanting and after sowing.