Manuring
Apply FYM @ 20-25 t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full dose of P2O5 (25 kg) and K2O (25 kg/ha). The remaining dose of N (35 kg) can be applied in two equal split doses at the time of vining and at the time of full blooming. A fertilizer dose of 70:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O / ha in several splits is recommended in Onattukara region. The fertilizer dose per pit would be 28:10:10 g N:P2O5:K2O.
Irrigation
During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at 3-4 days interval, and alternate days during flowering/fruiting. Furrow irrigation is the ideal method of irrigating. But in water limited environment, trickle or drip irrigation can be resorted to. During rainy season, drainage is essential for plant survival and growth.
Staking and trellising
Staking and trellising will increase fruit yield and size, reduce fruit rot, and make spraying and harvesting easier. Pandals are the most common trellising system used in Kerala. Pandals are to be erected when the plants start vining. Pandals of 1.5 m height are erected using bamboo poles, wooden stakes, GI pipes or other sturdy materials. Steel wires/strings, preferably coated with rust proof materials like plastic are used to connect the stakes, and to which coir or plastic ropes are tied in a crisscross manner so that horizontal coir/plastic ropes run across on top forming a net. Vines are supported by bamboo stakes, which help vines freely climb and reach the top.
Other improved methods of trellising are also available. The trellis can be arranged either in a lean-to or tunnel structure. For the lean-to type, the stakes are joined between two adjoining beds forming an A shape structure. Horizontal stakes are installed at the top joining all other beds. The stakes support the climbing vines and lateral stems. Strings are used to secure adjoining stakes. The trellis should be 1.8-2.0 m high, constructed from stakes 1.2-1.8 m apart. For the tunnel type, plants are grown inside an arch shape structure made of either PVC or galvanized iron pipe. Plants are supported by bamboo stakes where vines freely climb and reach the top, which will then grow along the structure.
Pruning
Snake gourd develops many side branches that are not productive. To improve yield, remove lateral branches until the runner reaches the top of the trellis. Leave 4-6 laterals and cut the tip of the main runner to induce early cropping. Removal of lateral branches in the first 10 nodes has a positive effect on total yield. Without pruning, most of the female flowers occur between the 10th and 40th nodes, or at a height of 0.5-2.0 m. Where consumers want their snake gourd straight rather than curved, tie a pebble at the end of a long piece of string to the flower end to weigh down the fruit and keep it from curling.
Pollination
Snake gourd needs insects to carry out the pollinating process for setting fruits. Pollination can be a problem during the wet season since bees are less active during overcast conditions. To ensure good pollination, manual pollination can be resorted to, by picking up male flowers and transferring pollens to female flowers (face-to-face touching the centre part of flowers). Introducing beehives can do away with the need for hand pollination.
Hormone application
Spraying vines with flowering hormones after they have six to eight true leaves will increase the number of female flowers and can double the number of fruits. For example, one application of gibberellic acid at 25-100 ppm increases female flowers by 50 % and can work for up to 80 days. Application of ethrel (an ethylene releasing compound) has been found to increase femaleness in snake gourd.
Weed control
Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up is done during rainy season. Hand or hoe weeding can be performed as needed. Mulching is commonly used for snake gourd crops grown on raised beds. Use organic mulch depending on availability. Mulch can be given before or after transplanting and after sowing.