Gourd Seeds

Gourds are hard-shelled fruits cultivated for ornamental, decorative or culinary purposes! With a large variety of shape, size, and texture, the gourd opportunities are endless. After the gourds have dried sufficiently, it's time to get creative! Select which ones you would like to make crafts of such as birdhouses, bowls and dippers. Eden Brothers offers hard-shell gourds, like Birdhouse/Bottle Gourd Seeds and Dipper Gourd Seeds, as well as the fascinating Luffa Gourd Seeds.

• 9 gourd seed varieties
• Offers crafting opportunities with their birdhouse like shape
• Among the oldest cultivated plants, used as water bottles by the Egyptians
• Many squashes are gourds, but not all gourds are squashes

If you can grow a squash, then you can grow a gourd! The two share striking similarities for germination and growth, but one big difference remains—when to harvest. Harvest time can be the most enjoyable part of growing gourds! Harvest a gourd after the vines have died, which is much later than you would your squash or pumpkin. This way, the rind can cure on the vine and get good and tough.

Gourds are delicious, easy-to-grow fruits with a distinctive form that may be used in place of squash. Eden Brothers' Birdhouse/Bottle Gourds may also be used to make houses for feathered companions, while Luffa Gourds can be used to exfoliate. Gourds are one of the most popular materials for nature-loving crafters and are often turned into vessels, vases, ornaments, and many other artful items.

In colder zones, start gourd seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost. In warmer zones, you will need to start your seeds just three to four weeks before the final frost. The typical percentage of seeds that germinate is between 60 and 80 percent. Gourd seeds will mature and be ready for harvest in about 180 days after sowing your seeds.

Ideal conditions for gourd plants include full sun exposure and well-draining soil that is rich with organic material. Gourds thrive when planted directly into hills formed of aged compost and soil with temperatures averaging between 75 and 85°F. Depending on the variety and use for your gourds, you may choose to set up a trellis. Allowing your gourds to reach and grow up a trellis will help avoid a flat spot that can develop if growing on the ground.

Sow your seeds one to two inches deep with four to five seeds per hill, spaced about four inches apart. Rows should be spaced about five to ten inches apart. The more space between seeds, the larger the gourds will grow. Once the seedlings emerge, thin to about two to three per hill. Water regularly. Harvest your gourds prior to cold weather and keep them in a cool, dry place for several weeks so they can cure. To remove them from the vine, use sharp shears and make a clean cut, leaving part of the stem remaining.

Companion plants for gourds include broccoli, radishes, dill, catnip, and French marigolds. Whether planting as a pest deterrent or for decorative purposes, there's good reason to put a few of the recommendations together in the garden.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for gourd seed, see the Gourd Seeds Planting Guide.