Gourds, Ornamental, Small-Fruited Sorts

Germination

If planting early sow indoors into individual pots of seed compost, 15mm deep, plant seed on its side place under glass at 15-20°C and keep moist. When 2 true leaves appear prick off into 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 90cm spacing. Can be sown directly from May 15mm deep into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Sow 2 seeds together. Seedlings should appear in 7-21 days. The fruits of these plants are for decorative use only, they are not intended for consumption.

Growing

Keep moist. Can be grown on a trellis or fence.

Cultivation

Harvest on a warm dry day in Sep-Oct. Lay fruit in a warm room to complete ripening. The gourds are decorative and should not be eaten. If you would like a more glossy finish the skins can be painted with a clear varnish.