Nam Tao Klom Bottle Gourd Seeds – Hybrid Round Upo / Opo Gourd, Asian Vegetable

A Prolific, High-Yielding Bottle Gourd for Asian Kitchens

Nam Tao Klom is a vigorous hybrid bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) producing attractive round fruits with light green skin and sweet, tender white flesh — approximately 4″ × 5″ and up to 1 lb each. Known across Asia as Upo (Philippines), Lauki (India), Kampyo (Japan), and Bau (Vietnam), this high-yielding climber is a staple of Thai, Filipino, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Prepare it like squash — sautéed, stewed, stir-fried, or in soups. Young gourds have the most tender, delicate flavor.

Highlights

• Hybrid; high-yielding and vigorous climbing vine
• Round fruits — approx. 4″ × 5″, up to 1 lb each
• Sweet, tender white flesh — best harvested young
• Warm season annual; requires a long, warm growing season

Asian Names

• China: peou gwa, lu gua, dudhi, hu gua
• India: lauki
• Japan: kampyo, yugao
• Philippines: upo
• Thailand: buap khaus
• Vietnam: bau

Growing Guide

• Sow: Spring/early summer after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location
• Hill planting: Form 1-ft diameter mounds 3–4" tall; space 4–6 ft apart; 1–2 seeds per mound
• Support: Train on a vertical trellis for better air circulation, straighter fruit, and easier harvest
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; fertilize as needed
• Flowers: Blooms evening to sunrise; hand-pollination may be needed
• Harvest: When fruit is young and tender for best flavor