Growing ornamental gourds from seed is a rewarding and fun project for gardeners of all levels. These unique plants not only add a touch of whimsy to your garden, but they also provide beautiful and versatile decorations for your home. Whether you're looking to create eye-catching centerpieces, seasonal decor, or just want to enjoy the fascinating shapes and colors of gourds, starting them from seed is the perfect way to get involved in the process. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to grow gourds from seed, from selecting the right varieties to harvesting and using your gourds.
Types of Ornamental Gourds
Gourds come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and interesting addition to any garden. There are three main types of gourds: ornamental, utilitarian, and edible. Ornamental gourds are typically small, brightly colored, and uniquely shaped, often used for decoration or crafting. These include varieties like the warted gourd, snake gourd, and bottle gourd. Utilitarian gourds, such as the Lagenaria species, are larger and have been used for centuries to create items like bowls, utensils, and birdhouses. Edible gourds, while less common, include varieties like the cucumber, squash, and certain types of pumpkins. Each type of gourd has its own unique characteristics and uses, making them a fascinating group of plants to grow and enjoy. Below are just a few of our favorite decorative gourds:
Decorative and Interesting Gourds
1. Warted Gourds
Warted gourds are a striking and unique variety of ornamental gourds known for their bumpy, textured surfaces. These gourds come in various shapes and sizes, often featuring vibrant colors like orange, green, yellow, and white. The warty texture gives them a distinct and rustic appearance, making them popular for fall decorations, centerpieces, and crafts. Their unusual surface texture sets them apart from smoother varieties, making them a favorite among gourd enthusiasts and decorators alike.
2. Snake Gourd
Snake gourds are known for their long, slender, and curved shape, which resembles a snake. They can grow several feet in length and have a smooth, green skin that matures to a bright orange or red hue. Snake gourds are not only visually striking but also versatile, as they can be used both decoratively and in cooking. In some cultures, they are harvested when young and tender for culinary use, often added to soups, stews, and stir-fries. Their unusual appearance and multiple uses make snake gourds a popular choice for gardeners looking to add something distinctive to their garden.
3. Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourds, also known as calabash gourds, are a unique and versatile type of gourd known for their distinctive bottle-like shape. These gourds can grow quite large and have a hard, durable shell that makes them ideal for crafting and practical uses. Historically, bottle gourds have been used to create containers, utensils, and musical instruments due to their sturdy nature. In addition to their utilitarian purposes, bottle gourds are also valued for their ornamental appeal, often being dried and painted or carved for decoration.
4. Luffa Gourd
Luffa gourds, often known as sponge gourds, are a unique variety of gourd that can be grown not only for their ornamental value but also for practical use. When young, luffa gourds are edible and can be used in cooking much like zucchini. However, their most popular use comes when they are fully matured and dried, at which point the inner fibrous network is revealed, creating a natural sponge. These sponges are commonly used for bathing, cleaning, or even as eco-friendly scrubbers in the kitchen. Growing luffa gourds requires a long, warm growing season, but the result is both an intriguing and useful harvest.
5. Speckled Swan Gourd
Speckled swan gourds are a distinctive variety known for their unique shape and striking appearance. Resembling the graceful curve of a swan’s neck, these gourds feature a long, curved neck and a bulbous base. Their deep green skin is adorned with speckles of white, adding to their ornamental appeal. While they can be dried and used for crafting decorative items like birdhouses or painted as art pieces, speckled swan gourds are primarily grown for their visual interest in the garden or as part of autumn displays. Their intriguing shape and vibrant coloring make them a standout choice for anyone looking to add an unusual element to their garden or seasonal décor.
How To Grow Gourds from Seed
Learning to grow your own gourds from seed can be a fun and cost-effective way to ensure you have unique and colorful decorative pieces for your porch come fall. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Variety
Select gourd seeds suitable for your climate, like birdhouse or ornamental gourds.
2. Start Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds according to package instructions indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost (early to mid-April in Colorado).
3. Use Seed Starting Mix
Plant seeds 1 inch deep in seed trays or small pots with a light, well-draining seed mix.
4. Provide Warmth
Place the trays in a warm area (70-85°F) and keep the soil moist but not soggy. A seedling heat mat is recommended to regulate the soil temperature.
5. Harden Off Seedlings
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions after the last frost date (around mid-May). Do this slowly and carefully, as introducing them to outdoor conditions too abruptly could shock them and cause them to die.
6. Transplant Outside
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant seedlings 5-6 feet apart in mounds.
7. Water and Mulch
Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
8. Support Vines
As gourds grow, provide a trellis or allow them to sprawl on the ground.
9. Harvest
Gourds will mature in late summer or fall. Once they are mature, they will be ready to be harvested and added to your fall decor!
Ornamental Gourd FAQs
Q. How long does it take gourds to grow?
A. Gourds typically take between 90 to 180 days to grow and fully mature, depending on the variety. Most gourds need a long, warm growing season, so it's important to plant them early and provide ample time for the vines to develop and the fruits to ripen.
Q. When to harvest ornamental gourds?
A. Ornamental gourds should be harvested in the fall, usually before the first frost. They are ready for harvest when the stems begin to dry out and turn brown, and the skin of the gourd becomes hard. For best results, cut the gourds from the vine with a few inches of stem attached to prevent rot during drying.
Q. What to do with ornamental gourds?
A. Ornamental gourds can be used in a variety of creative ways. Use them for fall decor by arranging them in centerpieces, wreaths, or porch displays. Use them in craft projects: Paint, carve, or turn them into birdhouses, bowls, or vases. You can also dry and preserve your gourds for long-lasting decor that can be used year after year. Ornamental gourds are extremely versatile, making them perfect for a variety of different uses.
Q. Can you eat ornamental gourds?
A. Ornamental gourds are typically not edible due to their tough, bitter flesh. Some contain substances that can also cause stomach upset. While they may look appealing, they are best used for decorative purposes rather than cooking. If you're looking for edible varieties, consider growing squash or pumpkins instead.
Q. How do you dry ornamental gourds?
A. To dry ornamental gourds, harvest them when their skin is hard and the stems have dried. Clean the gourds with soap and water, then wipe them down with a diluted bleach solution to prevent mold. Air dry the gourds by placing them in a warm, well-ventilated space on a surface that allows airflow around all sides. Turn the gourds every few days to ensure even drying. Cure the gourds for several weeks to months until they are light, dry, and produce a rattling sound when shaken. Check for mold regularly, wiping it away if needed.
Grow Gorgeous Gourds with Bath Garden Center
At Bath Garden Center, we are here to help you grow better, naturally. So, whether you are aiming to grow gourds, houseplants, flowers, or trees, we are here to help with it all! Our seasoned professionals have decades of experience, so stop by the Garden Center with all of your plant questions. You can also give us a call, send us an email, or fill out a contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!