Gourds

Common Name: Gourd

Scientific Name: Cucurbita sp., Lagenaria sp.

USDA Hardiness Zones: annual

Approximate number of seeds per gram (ounce) : varies from 6 (180) to 25 (750)

Sun: full sun

Water: keep soil moist, but not soggy during germination and water regularly. Overwatering seedlings can lead to "damping off".

Soil: sow at 1/2 inch deep in well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.

Temperature: 24 to 30 degrees Celsius (75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) for germination

Spacing: 2 feet apart in rows 10 feet apart

Germination Time: varies from 1 to 4 weeks

The variety of colors, shapes and sizes of gourds seems endless every autumn when one visits a farmer's market. Gourds are fairly simple to grow given a lot of room for the vines and regular watering. They are a member of the squash family and grow on vines. In areas with shorter growing seasons, gourds should be started indoors as they can take 4 months or more to reach maturity. Gourds, like pumpkins, require a rather high temperature to maximize germination rates. For this reason, starting seeds indoors is advisable for most people in temperate climates.

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