FB-Spine Gourd (Kantola) is a semi-perennial creeper with vigorous growth, broad oval leaves and strong angled stems. Its long tuberous roots anchor deep and regrow every season, so a single planting keeps producing year after year. Fruit are small, oval to round and dark green with distinct soft spines. Spine gourd is one of the underutilised vegetables of high nutritional value, and it commands a premium price in local markets.
Key characteristics
| Plant type | Semi-perennial creeper with vigorous growth |
| Leaves | Broad oval with strong, angled stems |
| Roots | Long tuberous roots giving deep anchorage and regrowth every season |
| Fruit size | Small, oval to round, 4-6 cm long |
| Fruit colour | Dark green with distinct soft spines |
| Value | An underutilised vegetable of high nutritional value |
Agronomy
| Cropping | Perennial from tuberous roots - regrows each season after the dormant period |
| Support | Trellis or pandal support recommended for a creeping habit |
| Note | For seed rate, spacing and season guidance for your district, contact the Farmson team |
Yield and maturity figures depend on season, region and cultural practice. Seed rate and spacing follow Indian agricultural practice and Farmson R&D trial data.
