{"title":"Gourd Seeds","description":"\u003cdiv data-content-type=\"row\" data-appearance=\"contained\" data-element=\"main\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-enable-parallax=\"0\" data-parallax-speed=\"0.5\" data-background-images=\"{}\" data-background-type=\"image\" data-video-loop=\"true\" data-video-play-only-visible=\"true\" data-video-lazy-load=\"true\" data-video-fallback-src=\"\" data-element=\"inner\" data-pb-style=\"BEELKLH\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-content-type=\"html\" data-appearance=\"default\" data-element=\"main\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u003ci\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/i\u003e) These Old World squash relatives all need similar conditions: a long season of hot weather and abundant moisture in a rich soil. The fruit will be straighter and more symmetrical if the 20-foot-long vines are trained up a trellis. The edible sorts are best harvested when young, tender, and mild tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tennessee-dancing-or-spinning-gourd","title":"Gourd Seeds, Tennessee Dancing or Spinning","description":"\u003cp\u003eA tiny gourd just 2 inches long! They are bottle-shaped and green-and-white striped—turning tan when dry. This unique heirloom was sent to us by Mr. Junior Gordon, of Primm Springs, Tennessee. They used to be popular there, and his ma said that when she was going to school, kids would bring ‘em to play with. Dancing gourds spin just like a top.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute overview\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips: \u003c\/strong\u003eTrellising is suitable. Provide full sun, ample moisture, rich soil and a lot of heat. Pick after first frost; dry indoors, or outdoors under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59510996697374,"sku":"GD101","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd-tennessee-dancing-spinning1_1.jpg?v=1782393494"},{"product_id":"gourd-seeds-thai-extra-long-sponge","title":"Gourd Seeds, Thai Extra Long Sponge","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLuffa aegyptiaca\u003c\/em\u003e). We collected this massive, long-fruited luffa in Thailand and are so excited to offer this show stopping, 4 feet long variety! A fast-growing, long-season, warm-climate vine that can climb over 15 feet on a strong trellis and is extremely prolific. This amazing plant was a stunner in our gourd tunnel. The fruit is edible and delicious when immature at about 2 feet long and is tasty cooked like zucchini. The mature fruit has sponge-like fibers that are famous for being used as bath and cleaning sponges. After the fruit matures, bang the gourds around to loosen the seeds, peel, squeeze and rinse the gourd until all that remains is a clean sponge. Cut them into different shapes depending on how they will be used and they make great gifts. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai Extra Long Sponge gourd is a highly productive tropical vine known for its impressively long, smooth fruits, often reaching over 4 feet. This variety thrives in hot, humid conditions and well-drained, fertile soil. Support vigorous vines with a sturdy trellis to ensure straight fruits and improved airflow. Regular watering, warm temperatures, and ample sun exposure are essential for vigorous growth and high yields.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511132651806,"sku":"AG109","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_thai_extra_long_sponge_1.jpg?v=1782396259"},{"product_id":"thai-bottle-gourd","title":"Gourd Seeds, Thai Bottle (round)","description":"\u003cp\u003e65-70 Days. Delicious and easy to grow, bottle-shaped gourds are great picked small, 4-6 inches and stir-fried, curried, boiled, and in soup. They are used much like common zucchini. Very easy to grow with good disease resistance. The seeds can be used to make a vegetable curd similar to soybean tofu.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips: \u003c\/strong\u003eTrellising is suitable. Provide full sun, ample moisture, rich soil and a lot of heat. Pick after first frost; dry indoors, or outdoors under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511135109406,"sku":"ED101","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd-thai-bottle-w-andrew-m-lss-dsc_3838.gif?v=1782396483"},{"product_id":"wax-melon-giant-bullet-head","title":"Wax Melon Seeds, Giant Bullet Head","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eBenincasa hispida\u003c\/em\u003e). A mammoth version of the ancient winter melon from Asia. Wax melon has been dated back to 2700 years ago in China; thanks to its long history, countless recipes exist for this versatile fruit. A staple winter food, its waxy rind helps to preserve the fruit for up to 12 months. The flesh is candied and stuffed into dessert pastries, stewed into hearty winter soups, stir fried and used to fill moon cakes for China's Autumn Moon Festival. Fruit can weigh up to 75 pounds each. This beautiful black type is a popular wax melon variety in China, but still unknown here. Named for the long dark fruit which resembles a bullet. Excellent storage quality and snow-white flesh. An excellent substitute for zucchini squash, but these are tastier! Thin (and eat) young fruit to get giant-sized fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Giant Bullet Head wax melon is a traditional heirloom variety that grows best in full sun. This heat-loving plant requires a long growing season and plenty of space for its vigorous vines. Grow it in rich, moist, well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511153164574,"sku":"WX111","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/wax_melon_giant_bullet_head.jpg?v=1782397169"},{"product_id":"gourd-birdhouse","title":"Gourd Seeds, Birdhouse","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e). The popular gourd for making bottles, birdhouses and many other useful items. Fun to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Birdhouse gourds require warm temperatures, a long growing season, and plenty of space to thrive. They grow similarly to squash but are often more resistant to pests because of their tough skin. Once established, the vines can quickly take over a garden, so plan accordingly. Apply a thick layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which become difficult to manage once the vines start sprawling. Plants prefer rich soil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511160176926,"sku":"GD108","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_birdhouse.jpg?v=1782397491"},{"product_id":"edible-gourd-dishcloth-luffa","title":"Gourd Seeds, Dishcloth (Edible Luffa)","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLuffa aegyptiaca\u003c\/em\u003e). Burpee's 1888 catalog said, \"A natural dishcloth, and a most admirable one. Many people prefer this as a dishcloth. The fruit grows about 2 feet, and the vine is very ornamental, producing clusters of yellow blossoms, in pleasing contrast with the silvery-shaded, dark green foliage. In the north, this variety requires starting in a hotbed. The dried interiors of these gourds have already become an article of commerce; grown in Florida, they are sold by Philadelphia and NY druggists.\" Tasty cooked like okra when young.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dishcloth gourds need a long growing season and warm temperatures to thrive. They grow similarly to squash but need a sturdy trellis or support system, as the vines can reach 10-30 feet in length. Applying a thick layer of mulch is very important to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide the plants with rich soil and a lot of heat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511161422110,"sku":"AG103","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_dishcloth_edible_luffa.jpg?v=1782397533"},{"product_id":"edible-gourd-serpente-de-sicilia-cucuzzi","title":"Gourd Seeds, Serpente De Sicilia Cucuzzi (Edible)","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e). A popular Italian edible gourd. Long, slender fruit is a brilliant, light green color; very tender and delicious with a rich flavor. Italians eat these steamed, sautéed, or stuffed and baked. Many prefer it to zucchini, and it is indeed a gourmet treat. This ancient vegetable was popular in Italy, long before squash was brought there from the Americas. These are not bothered by many pests and tend to be very easy to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Serpente di Sicilia Cucuzzi is an heirloom edible gourd that thrives in full sun and heat. Gourds are grown much like squash, and thanks to their tough skin, they are often better at fighting off pests than other cucurbits. A sturdy trellis is recommended to keep the fruit straight and off the ground, though it can also sprawl across the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511162274078,"sku":"ED102","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_edible_serpente_di_sicilia_or_cucuzzi_edible_39cc2c06-287d-480a-bc0f-8962118f1438.jpg?v=1783353691"},{"product_id":"gourd-peru-sugar-bowl","title":"Gourd Seeds, Peru Sugar Bowl","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e). These splotchy, pale green oval-shaped gourds require a long, hot growing season to mature. Delicious when young, they are excellent for making beautiful bowls and jewelry boxes when dry. Trellis for smooth, unblemished fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a full-sun location with rich, well-draining, fertile soil for the Peru Sugar Bowl gourd. These vigorous vines require a strong trellis or ample space for sprawling. Mulching is essential to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, avoiding waterlogging. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season, switching to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once flowering begins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511265493278,"sku":"GD129","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_peru_sugar_bowl.jpg?v=1782399664"},{"product_id":"hawaiian-dance-mask","title":"Gourd Seeds, Hawaiian Dance Mask","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn heirloom steeped in island tradition! This beautiful, pear-shaped gourd was once transformed into ceremonial helmets and masks by Native Hawaiians, especially during the Makahiki festival honoring Lono, god of peace and harvest. The fruits grow 10–12 inches tall with broad, rounded bases and naturally flatten on the bottom, perfect for crafting once dried. Thick golden shells develop as the gourds cure, their natural waxy skin preserving them through the drying process. At night, their pure white blooms unfurl beneath the stars, fading with the sun. A rare and meaningful gourd, ideal for growers drawn to ancient stories and sacred ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511494967582,"sku":"GD133","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_hawaiian_dance_mask.jpg?v=1782401067"},{"product_id":"gourd-african-drum","title":"Gourd Seeds, African Drum","description":"\u003cp\u003e90-140 days. A show-stopping giant vegetable with endless creative possibilities. A massive round gourd, ideal for crafting and creating! Extraordinarily long vines bear gargantuan, 18- to 24-inch, thick-walled fruit that can indeed be dried and made into a musical instrument!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips: \u003c\/strong\u003eTrellising is suitable. Provide full sun, ample moisture, rich soil and a lot of heat. Pick after first frost; dry indoors, or outdoors under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511681384734,"sku":"GD122","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_african_drum.jpg?v=1782402964"},{"product_id":"gourd-krobonko-luffa","title":"Gourd Seeds, Krobonko Luffa","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLuffa acutangula\u003c\/em\u003e). Luffa (also spelled Loofah or Loofa). This delightful Ghananian gourd is grown for both its tasty immature fruit slightly sweet and delicious in soups and stews—and its mature luffa sponges. Resembling a large cuke or zucchini with ridges, the young fruit is often used in Ghanaian kitchens in place of eggplant. Its huge vines can reach 20 feet or more; average fruit size is about 12 inches long and 2 to 3 inches across. It likes warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Krobonko Luffa gourd is an heirloom variety that thrives in full sun. It grows best in rich, well-draining, fertile soil. Grown much like squash, and thanks to its tough skin, often better at fighting off pests than other cucurbits. Mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511821992222,"sku":"AG116","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_krobonko_luffa.jpg?v=1782406303"},{"product_id":"gourd-tinda","title":"Gourd Seeds, Tinda","description":"\u003cp\u003e(Praecitrullus fistulosus) This tender and delicious edible gourd is popular in South Asia. Long vines are covered in prickles (similar to a zucchini plant) and will flower and fruit early and abundantly. The fruit is mostly round and averages 3 to 4 ounces each. Harvest fruit when young and tender and fry it or use in curries and soups. This fruit is particularly popular in Punjabi cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips: \u003c\/strong\u003eTrellising is suitable. Provide full sun, ample moisture, rich soil, and a lot of heat. Pick after first frost; dry indoors, or outdoors under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511822057758,"sku":"ED108","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd2-tinda--lss-139.jpg?v=1782406064"},{"product_id":"gourd-seeds-giant-bello","title":"Gourd Seeds, Giant Bello","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e). This edible gourd has been cultivated in the lush landscapes of Ghana's Ashanti and Bono regions for at least 150 years. A prolific and easy-to-grow plant that yields gigantic fruit capable of stretching up to 2 feet long and an impressive 15 inches in diameter. They thrive with minimal effort, gracefully climbing a trellis or sprawling across the garden. We are thrilled to offer this highly revered heirloom, and it wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic work of seed saver and farmer Solomon Amuzu.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest eaten cooked, this gourd's flavor profile is utterly unique, boasting a distinct umami flavor akin to mushrooms. In Ghanaian cuisine, it serves as a versatile alternative and substitute for meat and fish in soups, stews, and sauces, imparting depth and richness. The perfect type for preparing Nkate Nkwan, a Ghanaian culinary classic, consisting of a velvety blend of gourd, creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with fufu. For optimal flavor and the best culinary experience, harvest and consume the fruit while young and tender; older fruit can be eaten by removing the skin and tough flesh to reach a more tender interior. In times past, it's believed these gourds emerged as formidable weapons when tribes in northern Ghana heated them over a roaring fire, mounted them onto a long sturdy pole, and hurled the molten hot gourds at their unsuspecting enemies. (Do not try this at home.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Giant Bello gourd is a large, heirloom variety that needs a long, warm growing season to reach its full potential. These gourds grow on vigorous, sprawling vines. A sturdy trellis can help manage the vines and produce cleaner, more uniformly shaped gourds. A thick layer of mulch is highly recommended to retain moisture and suppress weeds, as the vines will quickly cover a large area.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511885103390,"sku":"ED104","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_giant_bello.jpg?v=1782407338"},{"product_id":"gourd-seeds-cluster-ridge-luffa","title":"Gourd Seeds, Cluster Ridge Luffa","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLuffa acutangula\u003c\/em\u003e). The orb-shaped fruit of Cluster Ridge gourd is delicious when picked young for curries, stir fries, or soup. They are used much like zucchini. Cluster Ridge gourds are very easy to grow and have good disease resistance. These were introduced to us by our friend Solomon Amuzu, of Call to Nature Permaculture in Ghana.  Cluster Ridge gourds do best when trellised.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cluster Ridge luffa gourd, also known as angled luffa or ridged sponge gourd, is a vigorous climber that thrives in long, hot summers. It produces slender, ridged fruits used young as vegetables or mature as natural sponges. Provide strong trellising to support heavy vines, and ensure full sun, warm soil, and consistent watering. Properly supported vines produce straighter fruits and reduce disease risk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511918625054,"sku":"AG115","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_cluster_ridge_luffa.jpg?v=1782407926"},{"product_id":"gourd-seeds-tiny-wild-luffa","title":"Gourd Seeds, Tiny Wild Luffa","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eLuffa operculata\u003c\/em\u003e). This micro-sized luffa gourd is one of the most ornamental little vines we’ve seen. If you enjoy growing your own luffa sponges, you will love this super miniature version! The small 2-3 inch fruit can be dried and made into small sponges. A perfect touch in fairy gardens, containers or beds; just provide a trellis or some space to roam as the vines can grow to over 10 feet long! They produce small yellow flowers and oodles of tiny fruit.  \u003cstrong\u003eNote: For external use only. Do not ingest.  Wash and dry thoroughly to remove all sap before using as a sponge.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tiny Wild Luffa gourd (\u003cem\u003eL. operculata\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the “sponge cucumber,” produces small, egg-sized fruits with tough shells and fibrous interiors used for natural sponges. It thrives in warm, humid environments with rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Provide sturdy trellises or fencing to support vigorous vines and keep fruits off the ground for clean, uniform development.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511918690590,"sku":"AG114","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/gourd_sponge_or_luffa_wild_tiny.jpg?v=1782407962"},{"product_id":"achocha-seeds-lady-slipper","title":"Cucumber Seeds, Achocha Lady Slipper","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e(Cyclanthera pedata). A fast-growing heirloom from the Andes with a rich culinary legacy. Known as caigua or slipper gourd, this vigorous climber can reach up to 40 feet in a single season, producing a cascade of slipper-shaped fruits that are mild, juicy, and crisp, like a mixture of cucumber and sweet pepper. The fruits have been a staple of traditional Andean cooking for generations, most famously used in the Peruvian dish caiguas rellenas, in which the hollow fruits are stuffed with savory fillings and either steamed, roasted, or pan-fried. Young fruits can be enjoyed raw, while tender shoots and leaves are also edible and delicious when lightly cooked.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eA stunning ornamental and edible in one, Lady’s Slipper thrives in warm weather and rich, well-drained soil. Best grown with a strong trellis or fence to support its rapid growth, it’s an excellent choice for edible landscapes or vertical gardens. The seeds. large, deeply ridged, and charcoal black, are among the most striking in the gourd family. Start indoors before the last frost or sow direct once the soil has warmed. A rare and culturally significant crop that deserves a place in every heirloom garden.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511940120862,"sku":"CU123","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/seed-packet-cucumber-gourd-cyclanthera-pedata-lady-slipper-gourd-lss-dsc_2407.jpg?v=1782408416"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/collections\/Gourd_African_Drum_LSS_DSC_2624.jpg?v=1783528213","url":"https:\/\/www.rareseeds.com\/collections\/gourd-seeds.oembed","provider":"RareSeeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}