Gourd – Birdhouse

Heirloom.
An attractive useful gourd with a 10-12 inch large rounded bottom section that is connected by a narrowing neck to a smaller round upper section. It can be dried for use as decorative durable bottles, birdhouses, and more. Plants yield large bottle shaped fruits. Matures very late in the season. Gourds grow like winter squash and are vigorous growers. Very nice to grow!
Sowing:
Preferably direct sow. Sow after danger of frost and soil and air temperature have warmed. Gourd seeds may rot before germinating if planted in cold wet soils. Select a sunny well drained site. Can start indoors 4 weeks prior to starting outside. Plant in individual pots because gourds do not tolerate root disturbance. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow 1 inch deep in well drained soil.
Germination:
10-14 days Spacing: Space plants 4-5 feet apart. Space rows 7 feet apart. It can be grown closer if space is limited.
Days to maturity: 125 days Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist, to just slightly dry Soil: Well drained, rich in organic material Light: Full sun may tolerate part shade
Information: Warm seasom crop. Provide a support of a fence, arbor, or trellis. Fruits will form a discoloration if left sitting on the ground. Weeds may be controlled with mulch or cultivation. Leave fruits on vines as long as possible allowing them to reach full maturity in the garden. Harvest after skins are tougher, before freezing weather, and let cure in protected area. In a few months they will dry to a hard wood like exterior and hollow interior with seeds rattling. Wash with warm soapy water and scrub with a stiff brush. At rinsing apply a disinfectant. Then allow to dry again. They should then be ready for sanding, carving, painting ect..
Lagenaria siceraria
Heirloom
Annual