TINDA SEEDS

Benincasa (Praecitrullus) fistulosus

Super rare in the United States but a wildly popular summer vegetable in Northern India, Tinda is frequently miscategorized as a squash or a gourd, but Tinda is more closely related to the watermelon (Citrullus sp.). One Tinda-aficionado suggests we think of it more as an apple, or green tomato. Do not confuse it with the actual gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) marketed in the USA as “apple gourd”, as it is virtually inedible.

Borne on vines that grow to just 4', Tinda prefers well-drained soil amended with lots of compost, full sun and warm temperatures. Plants should absolutely be trellised but must sometimes be tied gently to coax them onto it. Tinda grows quickly in warm weather and can begin flowering in just 3-4 weeks. Fruits are ready to harvest just five days from pollination, when they are no more than 3" in diameter. These fruits will be tender and seedless and perfect for curries. They are highly recommended as a substantial vehicle for flavor and will be especially appreciated by vegetarians and vegans.

Seeds can be sown directly into warm soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Water daily until seedlings sprout. Thin to almost 1’. Train onto a trellis..

To sow indoors on or around the date of average last frost: tuck seeds into moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug and cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (75°-80°F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate within days and sometimes a week if night temperatures are cooler. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 3" pots in a warm location under bright lights. Harden off and transplant into warm garden soil in full sun before plants become rootbound and when nighttime temperatures only occasionally dip below 55°F. Space plants about 8” apart along a 4' high trellis in full sun. Mulch generously. Fertilize with dilute seaweed extract regularly until established and growing unabashedly.

Tinda needs a big drink once a week, more during hot dry spells, but will suffer if overwatered or grown in very humid conditions. In our cool wet summer of 2021 the plants were just miserable and production was poor. Best in warm and moderately dry regions. Keep plants picked to encourage continued production.

Saving Tinda seeds is pretty straightforward as it will not cross with anything else in your garden. Allow fruits to ripen completely on the vine before harvesting and seeding.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 15 seeds.