Organic Gourd, Bottle (1 oz)

Gourd - Bottle - Lagenaria siceraria

Tender Annual This gourd variety produces large, bottle-shaped, attractive green and tan gourds 12"-14" high and 5" wide. They're great for crafts, rattles, bowls, and birdhouses. This is a long-season species.

Soil & Water: Gourds prefer rich, fertile soil with plenty of added organic matter. Water moderately early in development and heavier after fruit forms.

Planting & Growing: Start seed indoors 3 weeks before the last frost. Sow directly outdoors only in warm climates after the last frost. The vines are best grown up a strong support such as a fence or sturdy trellis. Use row covers over young plants to protect them from pests and to provide additional warmth.

Harvesting & Storage: Harvest when gourd turns pale, gently cutting the stem. Carefully rinse in a 9:1 bleach solution and hang in a warm, dry location until the seeds rattle, usually 3-4 weeks.

Did You Know? This gourd was cultivated before 10,000 b.c. to use as drinking vessels!

Soil Temperature: 75-90F
Planting Depth: 1"
Germination: 4-12 Days
Height At Maturity: Vining
Days To Maturity: 120 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 2'
Approx Seeds per 1 oz: 123