Gourd Seeds - Birdhouse/Bottle HEIRLOOM - OPEN POLLINATED
- Favored for Crafting; Gourds grow up to 12 Inches
- 125 Days to Harvest
- Will tolerate some shade, but prefers full sun exposure
Shipping Schedule
Seeds are shipped year-round, while perennials & bulbs are shipped seasonally. Pre-ordered bulbs ship at the proper planting time for your zone. Spring pre-orders are placed any time before March 1. Fall pre-orders are placed any time before September 1. These items will not ship immediately, but will be delivered at the ideal time for planting. Orders containing both seeds and bulbs may be split into multiple shipments. Click here for more shipping information.
Pre-Ordered Spring Bulbs & Perennials | Shipping Begins |
---|---|
Zones 9 - 12 | Late February to Early March |
Zone 8 | Early to Mid March |
Zone 7 | Mid to Late March |
Zone 6 | Early April |
Zone 5 | Late April |
Zones 2 - 4 | Late April to Early Mayl |
In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
Saffron Crocus & Bearded Iris | Shipping Begins |
All Zones | Late August |
Pre-Ordered Fall Bulbs | Shipping Begins |
Zones 2 - 4 | Mid September |
Zone 5 | Mid to Late Septemberl |
Zone 6 | Late September |
Zone 7 | Late September to Early October |
Zones 8 - 12 | Early to Mid October |
In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
Pre-Ordered Fall Perennials* | Shipping Begins |
All Zones | Mid October |
*Amaryllis Bulbs, Hosta Roots, Lily Bulbs, Papaver Roots, Paperwhite Bulbs, Peony Roots & Siberian Iris Roots |
Product Description
Heirloom "Birdhouse/Bottle" Gourd Seeds
Perhaps the most famous and unusual of the gourds, the Birdhouse/Bottle Gourd is the classic gourd for crafting.
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Fast Facts
Name: Gourd Seeds - Birdhouse/Bottle Botanical Name: Lagenaria siceraria Life Cycle: Annual Light Requirement: Full Sun Planting Season: Warm Season Plant Type: Vining Features: Heirloom Fruit Size: Up to 12" Days to Maturity: 90-120 Days Plant Spacing: 24-36 inches Planting Depth: 1/2 inch Sowing Method: Direct Sow, Start Indoors Cold Stratification: No Seeds per Packet: 4 g Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Ships: Year Round -
Planting Instructions
When to Plant:
- Gourds germinate and grow best in temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees F.
- It’s about 180 days from planting to harvest, so colder zones with short growing seasons will need to start indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost. Make sure to give them plenty of proper lighting to prevent them from getting too leggy later on.
How to Grow:
- Choose a large area that receives full sunlight and will allow room for the vines to sprawl.
- They can be grown in pots, but this will limit their size and production significantly.
- Choose soil that is well-drained and warm, with a bit more clay than sand. Gourds generally do not thrive in sandy soil. If you are testing pH levels, 5.8 – 6.4 is the sweet spot for gourd production. Please note, even if it is warm outside, if the ground remains cold they will not grow well.
- Gourd seeds are notorious for their long germination time, but there are a couple things you can do to help. Scarify the seeds with a nail file or sandpaper, then soak them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 24 hours to help speed up the process significantly. Dry the seeds completely on a piece of wax paper to prevent them from rotting before they even sprout.
- Dig rows 2 – 3 feet apart and create hills that have 4 – 5 feet of space between hills. Plant each seedling or sow each seed in its own hill, and cover with ½ inch of dirt, or to the base of new growth for seedlings.
- Water frequently to keep soil damp. Mulch can help contain moisture in dryer spells or climates.
When to Harvest:
- Gourds can cure on the vine once the vine starts to die, but turn them occasionally and prevent them from touching and make sure to check for pests. Curing process takes around several weeks to a month.
- Edible gourds need to be removed from the vine when they are younger.
- If they need to be cut early, wait until the vine at the top of the gourd is completely dry and brown.
- Gourds that are ready are hard and waxy to the touch. Fully cured gourds rattle when shaken, as the seeds are bouncing around inside. Soft and squishy indicates a rotten gourd, and should be discarded.
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Gourd Seeds - Birdhouse/Bottle HEIRLOOM - OPEN POLLINATED
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