Birdhouse Gourd on a white background.
Birdhouse Gourd held by a gardener in the field.
Close-up of Birdhouse Gourd held by a gardener in a field.
Birdhouse Gourd on a white background.
Birdhouse Gourd held by a gardener in the field.
Close-up of Birdhouse Gourd held by a gardener in a field.

Gourd Seeds,
Birdhouse

4.623 ReviewsSKU: #GD108Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Lagenaria siceraria). The popular gourd for making bottles, birdhouses and many other useful items. Fun to grow.

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.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Lagenaria siceraria
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
120
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

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 Seeds

  • 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.

Browse our full range of gourd seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 23 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Takes over the garden: Vigorous vines sprawl far; give them a fence or sturdy trellis.

  • Dozens of gourds: A dozen or more per plant when fed well; a few vines gave just two.

  • Quick to sprout: Nearly every seed comes up and the vines grow fast.

  • Shrugs off heat, bugs: Keeps growing through 100-degree days; borers leave it alone.

  • Heads up: Gourds can rot or mold while curing; dry slowly and wipe them.

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