Gourd Seeds, Giant Zucca Melon (Edible)

Name: Gourd Seeds, Giant Zucca Melon (Edible)
SKU: GD137
Price: 5 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (20 reviews)

4.2

20 Reviews

Sku:

#GD137

Min. seed count:

$5.00

(Lagenaria siceraria). You can’t miss this gourd growing in your garden. With a weight of 30 to 100 pounds, it is one of the largest gourds in the world! It is not only big but also very delicious. Pick it young and cook it like zucchini! This was a real show-stopper at the National Heirloom Expo. Everyone wanted to know how we grew this monstrosity. Unbelievably, there are no trade secrets to growing this whopper. It’s extremely easy to grow, and thrives with little care. Start early and keep warm. If you do not have night pollinators, hand pollinate the evening blooms.

130 days to maturity
8-12 hours of full to partial sun
Sprouts in 7-48 days
Seed Depth: 1”
Plant Spacing: 18-24"
Ideal Temperature: 70-85 F
Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips

Giant Zucca Melon gourd is an heirloom, edible gourd that thrives in heat. Choose a full-sun location with rich, well-draining, fertile loamy soil. This fast-growing vine requires a sturdy trellis or ample space for sprawling, as it can quickly take over a garden. A thick layer of mulch is essential to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Keep plants well-watered, avoiding waterlogging.

When to Grow

Plant after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach 70 F. Giant Zucca Melon gourd thrives in warm temperatures between 70-85 F. In short-season areas, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before the last frost for a head start. Be patient—seeds can take up to 48 days to germinate! If you’re unsure of your last frost date, consult our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Gourds can have spotty germination, so make sure that the soil is rich in nutrients. Space plants 18-24 inches apart and provide a sturdy trellis or plenty of ground space for vines to spread. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds, as the trailing vines will make weeding difficult. Transplant seedlings into the garden only after the risk of frost has passed.

How to Grow

Water deeply, providing 1-2 inches per week. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Train vines along a trellis for vertical growth or allow them to sprawl across the ground. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season, then switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once flowers appear. Hand-pollinate flowers if necessary for a better fruit set. Gourds are grown much like squash, and thanks to their tough skin, they are often better at fighting off pests than other cucurbits.

How to Save

Gourds are easily cross-pollinated, so it is advisable to isolate different seed-saving varieties up to 1/2 mile to ensure seed purity.
A minimum of 15 plants of each variety should be grown to avoid inbreeding issues. Harvest fruit before it has dried out when it is still green in color but has developed a tough skin.
Scoop seeds to dry; they will remain viable for about 4 years when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

FAQ

How do I know when to harvest Giant Zucca Melon gourds?
Harvest young gourds when they are small and tender for eating, or allow them to fully mature until the shell hardens for ornamental use.

Why are my Giant Zucca Melon gourd seeds taking so long to sprout?
Gourds have spotty germination and can take more than 3 weeks to sprout, so be patient and make sure that they are in warm, nutrient-rich soil.

How can I protect my Giant Zucca Melon gourds from cucumber beetles?
Use kaolin clay, beneficial insects like ladybugs, or row covers to keep beetles off your plants and prevent the spread of cucumber mosaic virus.

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