Gourd Seeds, Birdhouse

star-filled
4.5
23 Reviews
Sku:
#GD108
Min. seed count:
20
$3.50

Description

(Lagenaria siceraria). This is a popular gourd for making bottles, birdhouses and many other useful items. It is also incredibly fun to grow. This plant will thrive with minimal effort, gracefully climbing a trellis or sprawling across the garden.

  • 120 days to maturity
  • 8-12 hours of full to partial sun

  • Sprouts in 3-10 days

  • Seed Depth: 1”

  • Plant Spacing: 18-24"

  • Ideal Temperature: 75-90 F

  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

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.

When to Grow

In long-season areas, you can sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to about 70 F. If you live in a short-season area, it’s best to start seeds indoors three weeks before the last frost to extend the growing period. If you are not sure how to find your local frost dates, check out our blog post Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

The ideal germination temperature is between 75-90 F. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant seedlings into the garden, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Since these vines grow aggressively, making a trellis or support structure is the best option to manage them.

How to Grow

Keep the plants well watered but avoid waterlogging. Use a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture while also keeping weeds under control. Though birdhouse gourds are generally more resistant to pests than other squash relatives, they can still be affected by cucumber mosaic virus, which is spread by cucumber beetles. To prevent this, use kaolin clay as an organic deterrent, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and nematodes, and remove any cucumber beetles by hand if necessary.

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

Do I need a trellis for Birdhouse gourds?
Not necessarily, but using a trellis helps manage the vines and encourages straighter growth.

Why are my Birdhouse gourd flowers falling off?
Male flowers naturally drop, while female flowers must be pollinated to develop fruit. If female flowers are falling off, lack of pollination may be the issue.

How long does it take for Birdhouse gourds to dry?
After harvesting, gourds typically take several months (3-6 months) to fully dry and cure. They should be kept in a warm, well-ventilated area during this time.

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Gourd Seeds, Birdhouse
star-filled
4.5
Customer reviews (23)
$3.50
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