Grow your own fall decorations and craft items from the seeds below.

Click here to learn how to Hand Pollinate your Gourds

New! Check out our Decorative Squash Page for some really interesting fall decorations.

The second group includes the hard, thin-shelled “utility” bottle/birdhouse gourds belonging to the Lagenaria genus. The Lagenarias have smooth stems; soft, large leaves; and white flowers. The Lagenaria gourds are tan to brown when mature with long, narrow hard stems and have many distinct shapes and sizes. This includes such unique types as the caveman’s club, calabash, dolphin (maranka), swan gourd, Corsican flat, apple, drum, bottle, and small and large dipper types.

Days to maturity will vary by species and variety, ranging from 90 days from seed for the small Cucubita gourds to over 120 days for Lagenaria types. As the weather cools in the fall, additional time in the field may be needed.

The Cucurbitaceae family is tropical and sub-tropical in origin, and does not tolerate cold soils or cool growing temperatures. Even a light frost will significantly damage foliage and impede crop development. Planting should be delayed until the late spring when soils have warmed. When making planting date decisions, average fall frost date and marketing period should be considered along with varietal days to maturity. Proper timing of the planting to allow the crop to mature before frost is of particular importance. These factors should also be considered when making decisions to direct seed or transplant the crop in the field.

Both species have sprawling growth habits and require room to spread. Lagenaria types readily climb by long twining tendrils, and are often grown supported by a trellis. All cucurbits are monecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant), and require insects (bees) to transfer pollen and to set fruit. Night-flying moths are also known to pollinate Lagenaria.

Lagenarias have a long growing season and need early planting to mature by the end of the season. Otherwise a large percentage of fruit will be green at first frost. In comparison to Cucurbita types, Lagenarias are more sensitive to cold, and more adapted to consistent warm weather conditions. Soils should be at least 65°F prior to planting. To speed growth and development, use transplants instead of direct seeding.

Lagenarias are vigorous growers and develop large plants. Vines may reach 20 to 30 feet in length. Rows should be 10 to 15 feet apart, with plants set five to six feet apart in the row. Because of the price of seed and their vigor, multi-plant hills are not recommended. The above spacing will require 500 to 700 plants or seeds per acre. For the bottle and dipper types, trellising will allow fruit to hang, resulting in a straight neck. If allowed to grow on the ground, the fruit will curve in various directions.

The ideal soil pH is in the range of 6.5 to 7.0. A soil test should be conducted to determine available phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) levels. Low P and K soils require amendment to increase levels of these nutrients to moderate levels per soil test standards. As a starter fertilizer, at least 50 pounds of P and 100 pounds of K per acre should be applied in most soils. Gourds are sensitive to low levels of Mg, and soils should test to 100 to 125 pounds per acre of this nutrient. If not, Mg should also be supplemented preplant. Because of significant vine and leaf growth, gourds respond to fertile soils and applied nitrogen (N). At planting apply 50 to 60 pounds of N per acre along with P, K, and Mg amendments. Vines will begin to run or spread in three to five weeks after planting. An additional side dressing of 30 to 40 pounds of N per acre should be applied to keep plants vigorous. With drip irrigation, supplemental N can be injected and split-applied at two- to three-week intervals. By late summer, nutrients and water should be reduced. This will permit plants to slow growth and recently set fruits to mature and harden off.

We have found that our Gourd Growth Stimulator is very good for allowing quicker uptakes of nutrients, and can in most cases the days to harvest period to be reduced as much as 10 days.

Supplemental irrigation on both tilled and no-till fields can be beneficial during dry periods and increases yields. Irrigation should supplement rainfall with an average of one to two inches per week. Water should be withheld during the end of the season to hasten maturity.

For small-scale plantings, Lagenaria gourds will respond to vine pruning by increasing the number lateral shoots (runners) and of female flowers that develop into fruit. Vines should be tipped back once with a mower or by hand when they reach eight to ten feet in length.

Average yields for the small Cucurbita gourds will be from 20,000 to 30,000 fruit per acre. For the Lagenarias, expect a range of 2,000 to 5,000 gourds per acre.

To assure quality, timely harvest and proper handling and curing are necessary. Cucurbita gourds are frost sensitive when mature, and should be harvested before the first predicted frost event in the fall. Full-color development, and the drying and hardening of the stem and outer skin are harvest indicators. Immature gourds willnot cure well, and are best left in the field. Harvested fruit with spots of decay or damage or that are too immature should be sorted and discarded. Depending on planting date, a range of fruit maturity is typical, as plants will continually set new fruit over the season. Where days to maturity are observed, a large percentage of fruit should be mature on the vine before frost; a few may have passed ideal harvest stages.

At maturity, Lagenaria gourds will begin to change from bright green to pale green and eventually to tan. The stem will also become more rigid and dry. In contrast to the Cucurbita types, once fruit has reached a mature- or firm-green stage, with proper curing they will usually dry without decay or shrinkage. Some of the Lagenaria types, such as the speckled swan gourds are harvested green and are marketed in a timely manner similar to Cucurbitas. If the season allows, it is best to leave them in the field until they are as near to maturity as possible. Frost may affect the final tan color, surface pattern, and seed viability, but not the shell integrity of a mature Lagenaria.

Harvest all gourds with one to two inches of stem intact. An intact stem enhances value. Care should be taken not to bruise or scrape them, and always clip, not tear the fruit from the vine. Freshly harvested gourds can be washed in warm, soapy water, using a soft brush to clean warty types. A light pressure rinse may suffice, followed by a dip in clean water with a household disinfectant, rubbing alcohol, or a light bleach solution (1 percent to 2 percent). This step is important to reduce fungi and bacteria on the surface that can find entry through surface injuries.

Both types are cured under similar conditions; however, the Lagenaria group requires several months to cure before it can be utilized while the Cucurbita group needs only a few weeks to properly cure for use. When cured properly, Lagenarias will last for many years; the Cucurbita types six to nine months before the colors begin to fade.

Curing is a two-step process, involving a short period for surface drying, and a second, longer internal curing period. Surface drying hardens the outer skin and sets the colors for the Cucurbita types. Spread out cleaned gourds on a screen or newspapers in a well-ventilated, partially sunny area, and turn them regularly. Discard any that shrivel or develop soft spots. Surface drying can take from a few days to a week.

Gourds can also be cut from plants and initially left to dry in the field. This is often done with Lagenaria types. Uncleaned, field-dried gourds should be rinsed and wiped down with a disinfectant solution before continuing with internal curing. Harvest bins, packing boxes and shipping crates are not advisable places for curing, as lack of air movement will result in rotted gourds.

Internal curing requires a warm (80°F), low-light, and dry location. Warmth encourages rapid drying, darkness prevents color fading, and dry conditions discourage mold. Artificial heat can be used, but without ventilation it can lead to faster mold development. A well-placed fan can help speed the process. Cucurbita gourds will need an additional two to four weeks to final cure, while Lagenaria species may take up to three months to fully cure; longer if they were green at harvest. Seeds rattling inside indicate the gourd is fully dry. Prior to shipping or display in the market, sort cured Cucurbita gourds one last time for decay, as potentially immature fruit may have been harvested in the rush to beat frost or get them to market.

During curing of Lagenaria, it is common to see mold growing across the surface. The mold can leave desirable, unique patterns as it breaks down the waxes and upper skin layers, yet the fruit wall integrity is not diminished. Lagenaria gourds are highly resistant to decay and to an extent can be exposed to the elements and variable temperatures.
Long-term winter exposure can result in cracking and weaken gourds and is not advised. At a minimum, these gourds should be stored in a barn or well-ventilated shed. Regular wiping with alcohol or a light bleach solution can discourage mold growth if a solid tan color is desired for these types.

Following curing, gourds can be waxed, lacquered, or painted to extend their life and improve appearance. For colored cucurbita types, well-cured gourds may last three to four months without this treatment while coating with wax or varnish will extend storage life and color retention to six to eight months. Paste wax will provide a soft luster to the gourd, while varnish or lacquer adds a hard, glossy shine. Dip waxes used for fruit such as apples and oranges can also be used on gourds to extend life, and some commercial buyers require this treatment.

Gourds can be sanded smooth and painted as well, which can greatly extend the life of the Lagenaria types used outdoors, such as for a birdhouse. Often they are painted gold or silver for table displays.

Lagenaria types have many utilitarian uses. The crook-necked types can be cut into dippers and scoops; the larger drum gourds used as storage vessels. For birdhouses, drill a small hole through the top for a hanging cord. On the side, cut a hole large enough to accommodate wrens, barn swallows, or other small birds. Shake out the dried seeds. A small hole drilled in the bottom will help drain any rainwater that finds its way into the house. These natural-gourd birdhouses can last for many years.

You can save seeds from grourds, but they do cross pollinated very easily, to ensure that seed is true, isolation or blocking of the planting by variety should be practiced to limit crosspollination potential. One of the best methods to ensure true seed is to directly hand-pollinate selected flowers as they open, with a known pollen source.
Use a ribbon, flag, or other marker to keep track of these fruit through the harvest period. Fruits should be fully mature before seeds are extracted. Separate seeds from the pulp and spread in a thin layer on cloth or newspaper until dry. Store seed in a cool, dry place. Under ideal conditions seed may remain viable for three to five years.

New! Jim's Field of Gourds Mix
Jim has put together an economical package of gourd seed for the gardener who wants a lot of gourds, but isn't worried about separating the varieties and wants a good price on seed.
This mixture contains Bird House, Bottle, Penguin, Long Handle, Crown of Thorns, Striped Pear, Nest Egg, Orange, Cave Man's Club, Waterjug and small warted varieties.
This is a 60cc package, that contains over 200 seeds and is priced at only $7.95 per pack!
Plenty of seeds to grow an half acre of gourds or share some with friends.
 AW04 Jim's Field of Gourds Mix 60cc Package $7.95

RGS098 Autumn Wing Swan Large ( Cucurbita pepo )
A unique gourd of many colors with wings, warts and with fruit the shape of a swan gourd. Its bulb size is 2 1/2" to 3" in diameter with a neck up to 12" long. 100 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RGS099 Autumn Wing Swan Medium ( Cucurbita pepo )
A unique gourd of many colors with wings, warts and with fruit the shape of a swan gourd. Its bulb size is 2 1/2" to 3" in diameter with a neck up to 6" long. 100 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RGS100 Autumn Wing Swan Small ( Cucurbita pepo )
A unique gourd of many colors with wings, warts and with fruit the shape of a swan gourd. Its bulb size is 2 1/2" to 3" in diameter with a neck up to 4-5" long.100 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RGS094 Basket Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A slightly smaller size gourd than the bushel, with a more rounded basket shape. Green weight is about 20 lbs, this is the perfect size gourd for novelty baskets and decorations.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RGS041 Big Apple Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Looks very much like a big green apple reaching 5-7" across. Dries well and has great potential for crafts.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS096 Small Apple Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Finally! A small version of the Big Apple, this gourd is in great demand by crafters!
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

1A248 Blister Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
New and unusual. 110 days. Apple shaped fruit covered in warts, weight 4-7 lbs. and measuring 9 x 12 inches when mature, excellent fall decoration. Larger and more warted than bule type.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS040 Dolphin Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Also known as Maranka and Turtle Gourd, it is a glossy, dark green swan shaped with unique raised ridges, somewhat resembling a turtle's shell.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

RGS042 Indian Serpent Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Actually an unusual cucumber with long, white speckled fruits that resembles snakes. Long used in India and the orient as a vegetable, quite delicious when young. Roots and seeds are also used to expel worms and treat diarrhea and syphilis.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

LUF001 New! Miniature Ball Loofah Seeds
These small soft luffa sponges ( about the size of a golf ball ) are becoming the rage in skin care saloons. Also called hedgehog gourd, as the gourds are covered with spikes when young and green and are very ornamental. Small and round shaped when young, they are eaten at this stage in Asia, they become elongated and more football shaped when mature. Once dried, the skin and spikes literally fall off, leaving a soft, fine inner sponge that is perfect for personal skin care use. Each plant will produce a hundred or more soft sponges. Takes about 120 days from transplanting to mature sponges. Hybrid seeds.
  10 Miniature Loofah Sponge Seeds $2.95

RGS002 Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The legendary bulb shaped gourd used so widely for decorations. Dries to a buff brown.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS003 Spoon Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Colorful. Small ball at one end perfect for hollowing out to use as a spoon.
  Package of 20 seeds $1.95

RGS097 Spoon Bi-color Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
These small, orange-and-green colored gourds have slender necks and a club shape similiar to the common Spoon Gourd
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS004 Penguin Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A favorite with craftsmen, 12 inches long by 5 inches wide.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS005 Snake Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A favorite from England. An Excellent climber with long, curved, gray-green fruits that turn bright orange when mature.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS006 Shenot Crown of Thorns ( Cucurbita maxima )
Upright spikes give this unusual plant a crown-like appearance. Colors range through cream, yellow, orange and green, some striped.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS007 Small Flat Striped ( Cucurbita pepo )
Flattened oval, with white to yellow with dark green stripes. Very decorative.
  Package of 20 seeds $1.95

RGS008 Orange Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Round, smooth bright orange 2+ to 3" gourds, perfect for fall decorations.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS009 Nest Egg Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Beautiful, white oblong small gourds resembling eggs. Great for painting and decorations. They are sometimes used to fool setting hens into laying.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS010 Long Handle Dipper Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Beautiful gourd with curved long handle, used for dippers in the past and for birdhouses in the present.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS011 Striped Pear ( Cucurbita pepo )
Pear shaped with full stripes.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS012 Small Fruited Mix
Wonderful blend of types for drying and ornamental uses. Mostly C. pepo varieties.
  Package of 20 seeds $1.95

RGS013 Turk's Turban ( Cucurbita maxima )
Large Aladdin type gourd. Bright red-orange turban with white and green cap.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS014 Miniature Turk's Turban ( Cucurbita maxima )
A very attractive miniature version of the famous Turk's Turban.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS015 Speckled Swan ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Smooth, dark green/mottled cream. Curved neck, swan head shaped. Should be picked when young for best shape and color.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS017 Mini Red Turban ( Cucurbita maxima )
Similar to Aladdin, but without a striped cap. Turban is pure scarlet, body is white.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS018 Striped Crown of Thorns ( Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera )
Multi-colored, striped version of the Crown of Thorns.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS020 Cave Man's Club ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Knobby, long handled club shaped gourd.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS112 Dinosaur ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This variety from Seed Savers is very similar to the Dolphin we offer, but seems to have a longer neck and maybe smaller bulb. Given to SSE years ago by a Cherokee member from Louisiana. Traditionally used to decorate sweat lodges. Solid-green fruits have curved necks and wing-like projections, perfect for gourdcraft swans. Total length of 18-24" with an 8" bowl and unique serpentine projections. Straight necks if grown on a trellis. 125 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS021 Powder Horn ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Much like the calabash gourd, but usually more powder horn defined shape.

  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS022 Long Siphon ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Extra long 36 inch hollow handle with 10 inch diameter ball end.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS023 Water Jug ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Huge gourd with hourglass shape, very ornamental.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS125 Goblin Eggs Mixture
Delightful mix of egg-shaped gourds, great for holiday displays. Goblin Eggs Mix Gourds are uniform size; fast to mature. 80 DAYS.
  Package of 15 seeds $2.45

RGS128 Koshare Yellow Banded Gourd ( C. pepo )
Koshare Spoon is an exciting new gourd with a unique appearance and a superior plant habit for better production. Maturing in 95-100 days, vigorous multi-stem bush plants permit higher populations and a more concentrated set. Both total yield and ease of harvest are improved.
Koshare fruit are about 4.5 inches long and very uniform in shape. An assortment of banding patterns of vibrant dark green and golden yellow are produced on each plant. Because temperature during flower development affects fruit coloration, solid green fruit and fruit with 2-5 bands of alternating color are produced. Koshare can stand alone or be a handsome addition to small gourd mix. It’s color retention is excellent, enduring long after other gourds have faded away. Koshare Spoon is an absolute must for any serious gourd grower.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.75

RGS026 Small Warted Mixture
A mixture of favorite small warted gourds in an exceptional array of colors and shapes including bi-colors for craft use.
  Package of 40 seeds $1.95

RGS027 Small Mixture
Beautiful patterns, sizes, shapes and colors. Small fruits are fine for table decorations, fresh or dried.
  Package of 40 seeds $1.95

RGS028 Large Mixture ( Burpee )
Various sizes for birdhouses, dippers and other crafting project.
  Package of 25-40 seeds $1.95

RGS089 Large Chinese Water Jug ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This is a large, bottle type gourd shaped somewhat like a huge bottle, often used in days gone by to transport water to the fields for drinking.
  Package of 10 seeds, $1.95

RGS029 Birdhouse Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A ball shaped gourd with a long neck, very popular for creating natural birdhouses.
  Package of 20 seeds, $1.95

RGS030 Orange Warted ( C. pepo )
Small orange gourd covered with warts. Good fall decoration.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS031 Luffa Sponge ( Luffa aeg. )
The ever popular dishcloth, bath sponge gourd. Should be grown on trellis.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS032 Miniature Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A lovely decorative gourd with the same shape as the familiar bottle gourd, but only half the size.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS033 Pear Bicolor ( C. pepo )
Pear shaped hard and smooth fruit with lower half green, upper half yellow to buff.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS034 Bushel Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Kettle shaped fruits growing to 20" wide, makes wonderful baskets or containers. Very limited supply of seeds.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

RGS051 Martin House Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The favorite of all gourds for making birdhouses. Similar to small kettle gourd with large bulb on bottom and tapered stem end.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS035 Canteen Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A new type of ornamental gourd with a unique canteen/wheel shape. Excellent ornamental appeal.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

RGS091 African Warty ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This unique gourd produces fairly long fruit, that are just covered with warts! Very unusual looking, rare and hard to find.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS109 Ten Commandments ( C. pepo )
Softball sized fruits have five pairs of protruding prongs that point towards the blossom end. Nice mixture of bright striped, mottled, multicolored fruits. 95 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

RGS110 Bule ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A rare French heirloom that is shaped like an 8" Big Apple gourd, but these are covered in attractive warts. They are very ornamental and make a good market item.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.25

RGS095 Tennessee Dancing, Spinning Gourd ( C. pepo )
A tiny gourd just 2" long! They are bottle shaped and green and white striped- turning tan when dry. This unique heirloom used to be popular with school children in years gone by, kids would bring 'em to play with. Dancing gourds spin just like a top, they make great toys, superb crafts, arrangements, and much more!
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS050 Tobacco Box or Sugar Bowl Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A flattened round gourd with a slight taper at the stem end, as name suggests, used in days gone by as a sugar bowl or tobacco box.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS057 Corsican Kettle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS073 Baby's Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This seems to be one of the crafter's favorites. Shaped like a baby bottle, about 8" in length.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS052 100 lb. Bushel Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The biggest variety of bushel gourd we've ever seen. Not sure about the weight, but given the right growing conditions, this old heirloom variety can produce monster gourds up to and over 3 feet across!
  Package of 3 seeds $2.95

RGS054 15 Inch Wine Kettle ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Smaller version of kettle gourd, distinct markings.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS055 Banana Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Unique, banana shaped gourd to 10 inches long.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS059 Lump-in-Neck Gourd
Similar to the Japanese Sennari gourd and Indonesian Bottle gourd, it has a lump in the neck with a narrow nipple at the stem end.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS060 Mini Lump-in-Neck Gourd
Miniature version of the Lump-in-Neck.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS065 Mexican Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A version of the familiar bottle gourd with large bulb at bottom, smaller at top with nipple. Can grow 12 inches or more tall.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS067 Mini Dipper Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Very much in demand, usually grows only 4 inches long, but could be longer under certain growing conditions.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS069 24 Inch Big Hot Dog Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A wonderful dry gourd for painting and crafts, does resemble hot dog.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS071 Fat Banana Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A larger version of the banana gourd with rounded mid-section.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

A few packs we have in Very Short Supply .

RGS078 Mini Nigerian Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
  Package of 3 seeds $3.95

RGS079 Indonesian Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
  Package of 5 seeds $3.95

RGS083 Sennari Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
  Package of 5 seeds $3.95

RGS108 Ipu Drum Gourd ( Used to make musical instruments ) ( Lagenaria siceraria )
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

Special Mixes

RGS080 Burpee Small Fancy Mix ( Seeds from Burpee Seed Company )
Colorful yellow, orange, green and white fruits; some stripes and bicolors; shaped like an apple, orange, pear, egg, bottle, etc. Attractive fall and winter decorations. Vines spread 12'. 25 seeds per packet. Sun.
  Package of 25 seeds $1.79

1A181 Benary Small Fruited Mix
Wonderful range of sizes and shapes up to 8" long from Benary. 90-110 days.
  Package of 20 seeds $2.75

RGS130 Little Guys Mix
Seeds from Harris Seed Company. 95 Days. The delightful bright colors and interesting varied shapes of this improved small fruited mixture will add a nice touch for fall decorations. It includes Orange, Pear, Apple, Crown of Thorns, bicolor and striped types, spoon, warted varieties and others. Little Guys includes a greater variety selection than competing mixtures.
  Package of 20 seeds $2.75

RGS111 Seed Saver's Mix
The finest mix of small-fruited ornamental gourds available to gardeners. Guaranteed not to disappoint. Excellent formula mixture that includes Cou-Tors Hative, Orange Warted, Ten Commandments, Nest Egg, Flat Striped, Striped Pear, Orange Ball and Warted Gourds. Moneymaker for roadside stands and farmers’ markets during Halloween and Thanksgiving. 90-100 days.
  Package of 25 seeds $2.95

RGS127 Seed Saver's Warted Mix
A premium mixture of well-warted 3-4 ounce fruits. Good range of colors and many multicolors. Sturdy stems, long keepers. 90-100 days.
  Package of 25 seeds $2.95

RGS114 Johnny's Harrowsmith Mix
This handsome selection of mixed gourds was developed by Jim Harvey, a grower and Johnny's customer from Massachusetts. A mix of mostly warted pears, dumplings, patty pans, cheeses and other shapes in a diverse range of colors. Mr. Harvey continually refined and selected Harrowsmith over a 20 year period until he arrived at the wonderful mix we now offer. Kudos and thanks to Mr. Harvey.
  Package of 25 seeds $2.95

1A241 Rupp's Galaxy of Stars F1 Mix
An exciting new Rupp hybrid gourd mixture developed by our Plant Breeder, Duane Bell. Galaxy of Stars are in the shape of a 5 point star, with many colors and can be mechanically washed. An excellent opportunity to have an entire new gourd product for table decorations this year.
  Package of 15 seeds $3.95

RGS140 Harris Lunch Lady F1
A new additon from Harris Seed. 100 Days. Here is a large-fruited gourd that will make a terrific addition to your fall ornamental gourd offering. Large, vigorous vines produce unique, large warted gourds that can weigh from 5-20 lbs each. It produces an array of fruit sizes, shapes and colors, all with hard shells and warts. A perfect fall novelty product for roadside and farmer’s market sales.
  Package of 20 seeds $2.95

Loofah Sponges

Luffa Seeds

RGS031 Common Luffa Sponge
The ever popular dishcloth, bath sponge gourd. Should be grown on trellis.
  Package of 15 seeds $1.95

RGS104 Thai Angled Luffa
The popular vining okra of the Orient. Many swear that it is the best tasting of all fried vegetables. The young, ridged fruit can be used raw in salads, boiled, stuffed, pickled, and is delicious in soups. This squash-like edible is so good! Seeds are from from Bangkok, Thailand.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

Edible Gourd Varieties

RGS024 Edible Italian Snake
A long, twisting gourd that is delicious when young, and cooked like squash.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.95

RGS086 Karela Indian Bitter
55 days. The fruit is dark green, about 7 inches long and uniform in shape. The skin is thick with good teething. Very productive.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

RGS088 Fuzzy Indian ( Tindra )
Bear a profusion of small 2-3 ounce round gourds with soft hairs on the skin. Very ornamental and delicious for fresh eating, very tender and tasty.

  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

SSC02 Seedman's Special Seed Cup Starting Kit

The grow cups feature bottom slits to promote excellent drainage and strong, vigorous root development. These 4” round by 3 3/4” high pots also feature a top rim to make destacking easier and are designed to fit 4” shuttle or carrying trays.

Made from all-natural sphagnum peat and wood pulp, these cups are completely biodegradable and may be transplanted directly into the ground.
These are large growing cups, allowing you to start the seeds and retain them in the cup until final planting, this is not true of many smaller grow cups as gourd seedlings can get very large in a hurry.

For a seed starting medium, we use Wonder Soil Reground ( Wonder Soil Wafers that have been ground into powder form for fastest expansion and easy to use ). Wonder Soil is fertilizer-rich dehydrated peat which expands when you add water. One cup of our Wonder Soil Reground mixed with 16 ounces of water will expand to make 32 ounces volume of premium seed starting mix, we include 64 ounces of Wonder Soil Reground, more than enough to fill all 20 cups. Its coir-peat mixture with polymers and nutrients allows it to absorb, store and release water so that you have to water your plants much less often than you would with normal potting soil.

While it is great when used for seed sowing, plugs and transplants, it may also be used for growing flowers and vegetables in baskets and containers. It is a truly versatile mix that can be used for growing just about anything.

After germination, young seedlings face a new battle, the wet soil that can promote fungal grow and "damping off" in areas that do not have good air circulation, or in cases where the disease is common. Young gourd seedlings often have a very high failure rate due to poor germination, or seedlings dying soon after germination when they are exposed to "damping off".

We had the same problems in our greenhouses, until we developed a product designed to overcome these limitations. Our system makes protecting young seedlings a snap, using our exclusive SeedShield Seed Covering enhanced with Dampaide , which is simply sprinkled over the top of the soil ( about an 1/8" thick ) after seeds are sowed.

SeedShield Seed Covering enhanced with Dampaide allows light penetration, yet holds moisture in place for seeds, and helps prevent Damping Off of Seedlings and offers protection against Fungus Gnats, a common problem with young tiny seedlings.
We include a one cup packet of SeedShield with our kit.

Each Special Seed Starting Cup Kit contains 20 each 4" grow cups.
64 Ounces Wonder Soil Reground Mix
1 Each Mixing Bag for Wonder Soil Reground
1 Cup SeedShield Seed Covering
1 Each 8 Ounce Measuring Cup for measuring Reground Mix and water
1 pack of LL825 Plant Labels, 25 ea. 4" white plastic markers with pencil
 Seedman's Special Seed Starting Kits $17.95  Per Kit

Digital Gourds chart © Dan Dunkin 2003
This chart is used courtesy The Gourd Reserve

Note: Don't forget to visitJim's Unique Plant Food Formulas   for many unique plant foods hand blended by our staff.

RTP625 Tomato Trellis Clips

Lists of supplies, a growing calendar, and space for notes on your own garden conditions make this the complete gourd source book. A delight to read as well as a lasting reference, this long overdue guide to the adventures of growing one of nature’s greatest gifts is an essential addition to any gardener’s library.
  $17.95

Pluck them, bang them, shake them up, and blow into them—these instruments produce every type of joyful noise. They range from wood temple gongs to water drums to stamping tubes—and with a variety of gourds, you can have your own orchestra! Tips on choosing your gourd, cleaning it, sealing it, and even decorating and playing the finished instrument will assure that you’re making beautiful music. Try fashioning rattles, like a Mesoamerican Indian rain stick and popular African shekere; a Caribbean guiro; a gorgeous mbira or thumb piano; and friction drums that wail or roar—depending on how much pressure you use. There are also instruments from India, Central and South America, and the Far East—even the familiar banjo and guitar.
  $22.95