FREE: Bird House Gourd Seeds

The listing, Bird House Gourd Seeds has ended.

Sowing Gourd Seeds:

Sow four or five seeds in hills, spaced four to five feet apart. Space rows five to ten feet apart, depending upon how much space you have. The more space you provide, the less overcrowding, and the more and larger the gourds. Thin seedlings, to two to three per hill.

For planting in rows space seeds five to six inches apart.

Days to Maturity:
Hardshell varieties require 110 - 130 days. Ornamental types need about 90 to 100 days.

How to Grow Gourds:
Gourds are grown like pumpkins and squash. They like warm weather and lots of fertilizer. The soil should drain well, contain lots of compost, and be kept moist.

Because they are a vining plant, gourds grow well on fences or a garden trellis. An advantage of fencing, is the fruit grows with less blemishes, as there is no contact with the ground. You may want to keep the larger hard shelled variety sprawled on the ground, as the larger fruit can break off the vine if suspended. Fencing is great for the smaller, ornamental gourds. Try growing them in a large container, and hanging them off your deck!

Tip: Place a small bed of sand under each gourd, to protect it from slugs when it is young, and to reduce marks and scars on the bottom.