Ash gourds are mature when the stems connecting the fruit to the vine begin to shrivel. Cut fruits from the vines carefully, using pruning shears or a sharp knife leaving 3-4 inches of stem attached. Snapping the stems from the vines results in many broken or missing "handles."
The fruits can be harvested at different stages depending on the purpose for which it will be used. Normally, green fruits are ready for harvest within 45-60 days; matured ones coated with powdery substance are harvested between 80 and 90 days after sowing. The fruit yield can vary depending on variety and crop management. Average marketable yields are 20-25 t/ha. The harvested fruits can be stored for several weeks in ambient conditions. It will keep for 2-3 months in temperatures from 10 to 12°C and 50-75 % relative humidity. Avoid cutting and bruising the ash gourds when handling them.