{"product_id":"giant-wax-gourd-seeds","title":"Giant Wax Gourd Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO Winter Melon","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGiant Wax Gourd Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrow a truly impressive winter melon with Giant Wax Gourd, \u003cstrong\u003eBenincasa hispida 'Giant Wax'\u003c\/strong\u003e. This heirloom, Non-GMO warm-season variety produces large, blocky to round green fruits with crisp, mild white flesh and develops the distinctive pale waxy rind that gives wax gourd its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Wax is best for gardeners who can provide warmth, sunlight, and plenty of vine space. Under favorable conditions, mature fruits may reach approximately 30–35 pounds, making sturdy ground space or heavy-duty vine support especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeirloom Giant Wax winter melon variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNon-GMO variety according to the product record.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLarge blocky to round green fruit with white flesh.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFruit may reach approximately 30–35 lb under favorable conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing or sprawling warm-season vine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMature fruit develops a pale waxy coating that supports extended storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Wax Gourd \/ Winter Melon\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benincasa hispida 'Giant Wax'\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucurbitaceae\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, Non-GMO vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife Cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm-season annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vigorous climbing or sprawling vine\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVine Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can reach approximately 15 ft under favorable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green to light green with pale waxy coating at maturity\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlesh:\u003c\/strong\u003e White, crisp, mild, and slightly sweet\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun; some partial sun is tolerated\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, fertile, well-drained soil; sandy loam is suitable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreferred Soil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.0–7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 100 days after transplanting under favorable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Wax Gourd needs warm conditions and should not be planted outdoors while frost or cold soil is still a concern. In shorter-season areas, start seeds indoors about 3–4 weeks before the average last frost; otherwise, direct sow after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor easier germination, soak seeds in clean room-temperature to lukewarm water for approximately 8–12 hours, drain, and sow promptly. Plant about 1\/2–1 inch deep and keep the seedbed evenly moist without leaving it waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGive the vines plenty of room. Ground-grown plants may need about 4–8 feet between large plants or hills. If growing vertically, use a very strong trellis, arbor, or fence, and support heavy fruit with cloth or net slings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Fruit Development\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Wax produces male and female flowers on the same vine. Bees and other pollinating insects normally move pollen between flowers. If vines flower heavily but fruit set remains poor, hand pollination can help.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWater deeply and consistently during flowering and fruit enlargement, but avoid continuously soggy soil. Compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer can support growth, while excessive nitrogen may encourage heavy vine growth with fewer fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvest \u0026amp; Enjoy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYoung fruits can be harvested earlier when a tender texture is preferred. For mature winter melon, allow the fruit to become fully sized, the rind to firm, and the characteristic pale waxy coating to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe white flesh has a mild flavor suitable for soups, stews, stir-fries, curries, steaming, and other cooked dishes. Whole, sound mature fruits can keep for months when handled carefully and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to Expect\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTrue Leaf Market describes this Giant Wax variety as producing blocky to round fruits around 30–35 pounds under favorable conditions. These figures are useful variety characteristics rather than guarantees: fruit size varies with heat, soil fertility, water, pollination, available vine space, and the number of fruits carried by each plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMaturity is similarly affected by growing conditions. The variety reference lists approximately 100 days after transplanting, while the Mai's Family growing guide uses a broader 90–120 day range for warm-season growing and different harvest stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow large can Giant Wax Gourd fruit become?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety reference describes mature fruits around 30–35 pounds under favorable conditions. Actual fruit size varies substantially with growing conditions and fruit load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Giant Wax Gourd need a trellis?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Large winter melons are often safer grown along the ground because mature fruits become heavy. If growing vertically, use a very strong structure and support individual fruits with slings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould Giant Wax seeds be soaked before planting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mai's Family growing guide recommends soaking the seeds for about 8–12 hours in clean room-temperature to lukewarm water, then draining and sowing them promptly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I plant Giant Wax Gourd?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant outdoors only after frost danger has passed and the soil is thoroughly warm. In shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors about 3–4 weeks before the average last frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I know when the fruit is mature?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor storage-quality mature fruit, wait until the fruit is fully sized, the rind is firm, the stem begins to dry, and the characteristic pale waxy bloom is well developed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mai's Family","offers":[{"title":"10","offer_id":49421836484914,"sku":"753459443608","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25","offer_id":49421836517682,"sku":"753459443609","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50","offer_id":49421836550450,"sku":"753459443610","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Grams","offer_id":49421836583218,"sku":"753459443611","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Grams","offer_id":50226513183026,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Oz","offer_id":52233515532594,"sku":null,"price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0687\/9743\/2114\/files\/maisfamily_2c8dc9b7-d110-42de-8a05-0bab24920df0.png?v=1790213168","url":"https:\/\/maisfamily.us\/vi\/products\/giant-wax-gourd-seeds","provider":"Mai's Family","version":"1.0","type":"link"}