Gourd Seeds, Kikinda (Edible)

star-filled
4.1
12 Reviews
Sku:
#ED109
Min. seed count:
15
$3.50

(Lagenaria siceraria). Grow mammoth 5-7-feet long gourds and amaze your family. This super tasty fruit is tender up to 4 feet long. The tenderness and great flavor made them a favorite in our kitchen. Fun for craft projects and entering garden fairs. The Kikinda comes from a small village in Northern Serbia that is famed for its pumpkin festivals. We grew ours in a “gourd tunnel,” and it is important to trellis if you want straight fruit. 

  • 120-150 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: 70-85 F

  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips

Kikinda gourd is an heirloom that grows best in full sun and a lot of heat. Plant in rich, well-draining, loamy soil. The vigorous vines require a strong trellis or ample space for sprawling, and mulching is essential to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season, then switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once flowering begins.

When to Grow

In longer-season areas, you can sow seeds directly in the garden once soil has warmed to about 70 degrees. Growers with a shorter season should start seeds indoors three weeks before the last frost. If you’re unsure of your last frost date, check out our blog postOur Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Gourds have spotty germination, so plant extra seeds in case some fail to sprout. Space plants 18-24 inches apart and provide a sturdy trellis or ample space for vines to spread. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds, as vines will make weeding difficult. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the risk of frost has passed.

How to Grow

Water deeply, providing 1-2 inches per week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Train vines along a trellis to encourage air circulation and make harvesting easier. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season, switching to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowering begins. Hand-pollinate flowers if necessary to improve fruit set. The thick-skinned gourds are naturally resistant to many pests, but proper care helps maximize yield.

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

Can Kikinda gourd be eaten?
Yes, young gourds are tender and edible, similar to zucchini. Mature gourds are used for crafting.

Can Kikinda gourd be grown in containers?
Because of its large size and long vines, it is best grown in the ground, but extra-large containers (20+ gallons) with a strong trellis can be used.

How can I protect my Kikinda gourds from cucumber beetles?
Use kaolin clay, beneficial insects like ladybugs, or row covers to prevent damage and the spread of cucumber mosaic virus.

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Gourd Seeds, Kikinda (Edible)
star-filled
4.1
Customer reviews (12)

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