Here is a clear and detailed Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Seed Germination Description, suitable for gardening, farming, or academic purposes:

Bottle Gourd Seed Germination Description
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), also known as calabash or lauki, germinates within 7 to 10 days under warm, moist conditions. The germination process begins when the seed absorbs water and the embryo becomes active.

Optimal Conditions for Germination:

Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) – warm soil speeds up germination.

Moisture: Soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.

Light: Seeds do not require light to germinate; light is needed once the seedling emerges.

Soil: Well-drained, loose, and fertile soil rich in organic matter.

Germination Process:

Imbibition: Seeds absorb water, swelling and softening the hard seed coat.

Radicle Emergence: The root (radicle) breaks through the seed coat and begins growing downward.

Hypocotyl Elongation: The stem (hypocotyl) pushes the seed leaves (cotyledons) above the soil surface.

True Leaf Formation: After emergence, true leaves appear within a few days, allowing the plant to begin photosynthesis and grow.

Tip: Bottle gourd seeds have a hard outer shell. To enhance germination, seeds can be soaked in warm water for 12–24 hours or lightly nicked or scarified before sowing.