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

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

A little Gourd info
Ornamental gourds can be divided into two major botanical groups. They all belong to the Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbit) family, which includes many types of squash and pumpkins. The bright, multi-colored, thick-shelled, sometimes warty types are of the Cucurbita genus (C. pepo). Cucurbita gourds include such colorful types as the ‘Shenot Crown of Thorns,’ smooth and warted pear, egg types, and winged gourds. As a group, Cucurbita gourds have hard angular stems, but a few winter squash types used as ornamentals have soft corky stems, such as the ‘Turks Turban’ variety, and belong to the Cucurbita maxima species. In general, the types with hard stems tend to keep longer. The Cucurbita have prickly leaves and stems, and yellow flowers.

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.

Gourd Seed
All seeds listed below are in stock.
Special Mixes
Many large seed companies have their own unique mix of gourd seeds, we have picked out some of our favorites:

RGS158 Autumn Wing Swan Mix ( Cucurbita pepo )
The Autumn Wings blend is a very unique gourd series that offers many colors and patterns on fruit that have wings on the bulb end. This formulated mix includes approximately 50% medium size wing gourds and 25% each of small wings and large wings.
All the sizes have a winged bulb that is approximately 2.5-3" in diameter. The small size has a 4 - 5" long neck; the medium size has a 6" long neck; the large size has a 12" long neck. Many of the fruit will also be warted. You should plant this mix early so that the gourds can fully mature before harvest. Immature wings on the gourds are easily damaged and can break off or rot. 100 days.

 2g Package ( about 30-35 seeds ) $4.95

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

RGS143 Yugoslavian Fingers ( Cucurbita pepo )
100 Days. This is a most unique and unusual gourd! Large, slightly oval, like a very large egg with 8-10 fingers jutting out from the top, that form wings or ribs on the sides of the fruit. The cream colored fruit most closely resemble a very large Crown of Thorns gourd. An excellent ornamental type for fall decoration and marketing.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS144 Daisy Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
95 Days. Mixed colors of green, orange, yellow and white with most having a unique daisy pattern look on the stem end. The small gourds measure 2.5-3" high by 3" wide. Recommened 1.5-2' spacing in row and 6' between rows. It will yield better if it is not over populated.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

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

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

RGS002 Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The legendary bulb shaped gourd used so widely for decorations. Dries to a buff brown.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

RGS160 Chinese Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
These pear shaped gourds grow about 5 inches tall by 4 inches across. It has a flat bottom, making it an excellent craft gourd. The Chinese Bottle Gourd is used by many cultures around the world for many different purposes (food, drink, container, garment, healing).

  Package of 5 seeds $2.25

RGS159 India Long Hybrid ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This high quality hybrid bottle gourd is developed by a leading seed company in India and has become one of the most popular gourds in the markets in India and Southern Asia. The cylindrical shape straight fruit has light green skin, up to 2 feet in length and 5 Lbs. in weight. The plant is very vigorous and prolific in bearing fruits. This variety is suitable for growing all year round in subtropical and tropical areas.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS148 Big Green Sausage Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A new gourd that lives up to it's name, the fruits do indeed look like big green sausages. Plant produces good yields of large 20" long light green gourds. Best if grown on trellis or fence. 70 days.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.25

RGS149 Harvest Bowl Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Also know as Tobacco Box Gourd and Basket Gourd, this plant produces good yields of round bowl shaped gourds that have unlimited crafting possibilities. 70 days.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.25

RGS003 Spoon Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Colorful. Small ball at one end perfect for hollowing out to use as a spoon.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

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.
This item is currently out of stock, if you would like to be notified by E-mail when it becomes available again, simply enter your E-mail address in the field below and hit "Submit".

RGS004 Penguin Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A favorite with craftsmen, 12 inches long by 5 inches wide.

  Package of 15 seeds $2.25

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 $2.25

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 $2.25

RGS007 Small Flat Striped ( Cucurbita pepo )
Flattened oval, with white to yellow with dark green stripes. Very decorative.

  Package of 20 seeds $2.25

RGS008 Orange Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Round, smooth bright orange 2+ to 3" gourds, perfect for fall decorations.

  Package of 15 seeds $2.25

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 $2.25

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 $2.25

RGS012 Small Fruited Mix
Wonderful blend of types for drying and ornamental uses. Mostly C. pepo varieties.

  Package of 20 seeds $2.25

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

  Package of 15 seeds $2.25


RGS014 Miniature Turk's Turban ( Cucurbita maxima )
A very attractive miniature version of the famous Turk's Turban.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

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 $2.25

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 $2.25

RGS018 Striped Crown of Thorns ( Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera )
Multi-colored, striped version of the Crown of Thorns.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

RGS020 Cave Man's Club ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Knobby, long handled club shaped gourd.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

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 $2.25

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

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

RGS150 Asian Birdhouse ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A popular gourd in Asia, it is a vigorous grower, producing a lot of gourds for birdhouses and crafting.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.45

RGS022 Long Siphon ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Extra long 36 inch hollow handle with 10 inch diameter ball end.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

RGS023 Water Jug ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Huge gourd with hourglass shape, very ornamental.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

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 $2.95

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 $2.25

RGS027 Small Mixture
Beautiful patterns, sizes, shapes and colors. Small fruits are fine for table decorations, fresh or dried.

  Package of 20 seeds $2.25

RGS028 Large Mixture ( Burpee )
Various sizes for birdhouses, dippers and other crafting project.

  5g package ( about 25-30 seeds ) $2.25

RGS029 Birdhouse Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A ball shaped gourd with a long neck, very popular for creating natural birdhouses.

 1.5g Package ( about 8-10 seeds ) $2.25

RGS030 Orange Warted ( C. pepo )
Small orange gourd covered with warts. Good fall decoration.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.25

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 $2.25

RGS033 Pear Bicolor ( C. pepo )
Pear shaped hard and smooth fruit with lower half green, upper half yellow to buff.

  Package of 15 seeds $2.25

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 5 seeds $2.95

RGS152 Large Kentucky Bushel Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A large variety that will grow 24-30" in diameter ( we have seen larger, this is about the norm in good soil ) and has a good hard shell for crafting. Not quite as large as the 100 pound bushel grourd, but this one makes a very consistent harvest.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS153 Sugar Bowl ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Produces round gourds with flattened tops and bottoms averaging about 8 to 10 inches wide by 4 to 5 inches tall, that are ideal for making bowls or gift baskets, each gourd when divided will make two bowls. Well suited for crafting.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.50

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 $2.25

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

RGS142 Prickles Small Fruited Gourd ( Cucumis anguria )
Golf ball-sized fruits with long green spines.
Fun shape for decorating. Has a shorter shelf life once harvested compared to hard skinned gourds.
This item is currently out of stock, if you would like to be notified by E-mail when it becomes available again, simply enter your E-mail address in the field below and hit "Submit".

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.
This item is currently out of stock, if you would like to be notified by E-mail when it becomes available again, simply enter your E-mail address in the field below and hit "Submit".

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.
This item is currently out of stock, if you would like to be notified by E-mail when it becomes available again, simply enter your E-mail address in the field below and hit "Submit".

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
The Loofah Gourd is a member of the Cucurbitaceae ( Gourd ) family. The Loofah is spelled several different ways, i.e., Lofah, Luffa or Lufa. It's commonly known as the Washrag Gourd. It is the only plant known that can be raised and used as a sponge.
The sponges are very versatile in that they can be used for bathing, washing dishes or scrubbing. The Loofah is widely used for bathing to invigorate the skin as well as gift giving and crafts.
It is a very fast growing annual that produce vines up to twelve feet or more. I have seen them grow over 20 ft. high in trees and produce dozens of gourds per plant.
When fully matured, you can peel off the dried and crisp outer shell to expose the fibrous sponge. To clean your Loofah you wash it in clean water and then soak it in a solution of bleach and water and allow to dry in the sun. Loofah sponges will last a long time if washed and allowed to dry after each use.

Luffa Seeds

RGS031 Common Luffa Sponge
The ever popular dishcloth, bath sponge gourd. Should be grown on trellis.
  Package of 15 seeds $2.25

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

3319 Oriental Hybrid Extra Long
This unique hybrid luffa produces extra long fruits, 30 inches lone and 2-3 inches wide in size and over a pound in weight. Plants are very vigorous and strongly resistant to heat,cold, rain and wind. This variety is very productive, yielding high quality fruits which are good for long distance shipping and marketing. One of the most popular varieties in the Orient.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

Edible Gourd Varieties

RGS146 India Globe Hybrid ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This hybrid gourd is developed by a leading seed company in India. Fruits in flat and round shape can be harvested at small size as well as full size (1.5 - 2 Lb.) stages for cooking and eating. White soft flesh is very tender and delicious, suitable for stir-fry and soup cooking. Plants are very vigorous and should be well watered in warm summer. This variety begins to produce fruits 50 days after transplanting and continues to bear lots of fruits for a long time. Plants can be grown along supports or on the ground. Mature fruits can be dried for decoration.

  Package of 5 seeds $3.95

JF138 Green Bell Hybrid ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Green Bell is a new high quality hybrid variety developed by Kaoshung Horticulature Research Center in Taiwan, resulted from ten year's development efforts. Fruits with green skin and white stripes, in bell shape and 1.5 Lb. in weight are very delicious and tasty, excellent for soup and stir-fry. Plants grow very well in subtropical climates, 80-90 F, in full sun conditions. This variety starts to produce female flowers on secondary branches and first fruit harvest can be obtained 70-80 days after transplanting. Plants are vigorous and tolerant to disease attacks. Very productive and easy to grow.

  Package of 5 seeds $3.95

RGS154 Asia Short Hybrid Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This hybrid variety is a vigorous plant with prolific bearing harbit, producing fruits continuously for a long time. Relatively short cylindrical fruits with 25-30 cm.in length and 300-350 grams in weight are very tender and delicious. Light green skin with white flesh fruits with slow seed maturity are excellent for soup and stir-fry cooking uses. Plants grow vigorously in warm climates, starting to set fruits in 45 days after the transplanting. Easy to grow.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS155 India Short Snake Gourd ( Trichosanthes anguina )
This Snake Gourd variety is native to India. Fruits have light greenish white skin with green stripe shoulder, about 12 inches long and 2.5 inches in diameter. The plant is very vigorous in warm climates and produces lots of fruits for a long time. Fruits are harvested when they are young and are very popular in Indian cooking.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RGS156 Thai Extra Long Hybrid Snake Gourd ( Trichosanthes anguina )
This is a new hybrid variety developed by a leading seed company in Thailand. Extra long fruit can reach 78 cm long with 3.6 cm in diameter, 370 grams in weight. Frutis skin is light green with white stripes. Plants grow vigorously in warm climates and very productive. For getting furits in straigh and long shape, plants are best grown along the high supports. Fruits can be harvested at any stage, from young to full size. Easy to grow.

  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

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 $2.25

Hairy Gourds ( Fuzzy Gourd, Mao Qwa )
Mao Qwa is a smaller version of Tong Qwa and is often called Little Winter Melon. Fruits are in cylinder shape of about 2-3 inches in diameter, with hairy green skin, and are picked for vegetable use when young. The white flesh is firm and mildly flavored. Plants are trained up along supports and should be well watered during hot summer.

JF177 Chiang Shin Joker ( Fuzzy Gourd )
This variety produces medium size fruits, 4-8 inches long. Dark green fruits with white flesh inside are very popular in Cantonese and Southern Chinese cooking, excellent for stir fry and soup. The plant grows vigorously in warm cliamtes and is prolific.

  Package of 5 seeds $3.50

Unique, Rare Gourd Types

RLP056 Wild Calabash ( Lagenaria sphaerica )
A pretty climber in the pumpkin family with rigid, palmate leaves and fragrant, white flowers followed by mottled green, spherical fruits. It produces a perennial, woody rootstock that puts out many slender, annual shoots that can reach to about 10 m long. It is found in a number of dry scrub and woodland habitats in tropical and southern Africa, including Madagascar and the Comores. It has a number of applications in traditional medicine and for religious purposes and makes a wonderful ornamental.

  Package of 5 seeds $3.50

TR02 Vine and Veggie Trellis Net

5' x 10' lovely green textile trellis for garden and yard use. Excellent for beans, gourds, cucumbers and vining flowers.

 TR02 Vine and Veggie Trellis Net $5.95 Each

 SSWAF07 Seedman's Special Seed Cup Starting Kit

Now you can start your gourds just like the large farm growers do!
We've combined the best pots for starting gourd seed in with WonderSoil Reground Seed Starting Mix and include plastic markers for each cup so you can keep track of everything!

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 our PMIX02 Premium Concentrated Seed Starting Mix made from natural coir. You invest a lot thought into selecting your seed selections, why not give them the best possible conditions to start off life with? We start all of our seeds ( all of our seed crops, germination trials and personal favorites ) in this seed starting medium, and now we are including it in our seed cup kits.
This mix ships in a dry brick form for easy handling and storage, and you use the giant zip lock bag that the kit is packaged in for mixing, just open the zip lock bag, place the brick inside, add one gallon of water ( save a gallon milk jug, fill it all the way full and it is the perfect amount to add to one brick ) and watch it expand to over 2 gallons very quickly, it starts swelling just as soon as the water is added.
Makes the perfect seed starting mix as it will never pack down like soil, it absorbs water readily, but it drains well also and does not trap moisture against seeds like peat pellets can do. Made from a single sterile source, it will never contain foreign weed seeds or diseases. This brick-sized concentrated seed starting mix is made from coir ( renewable coconut fiber ), it is sterile and makes an excellent natural soil alternative. No dirt means it is clean to handle, and it is good for the environment as it is made from a natural renewable resource.
Unused mix can be stored for later use, creating no waste.

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.
1 Concentrated Seed Starting Brick ( makes more than enough for 20 cups )
1 Cup SeedShield Seed Covering
1 pack of , 20 ea. 5" white plastic markers

 Seedman's Special Seed Starting Kits $19.95  Per Kit

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

New! Jim's Plant Growth Stimulator for Gourds.
Jim has developed this product through years of testing on his farms. This natural, environmentally safe solution will produce amazing results, producing vigorous plants and larger fruits. We highly recommend you do you own trial test ( i.e. spray one plant with solution, next to a plant not sprayed with solution over the length of a growing season ) to fully appreciate how effective this product is.
This is a two part water soluble product that should be mixed 14.75cc of each part ( we provide measuring spoon with solution ) to one gallon of water and sprayed onto the foliage of the gourd plants. It contains Food Grade H202, ( produced by nature ) Gibberellic Acid ( a natural plant growth hormone ), B1 and other plant vitamins, plant hormones, ( made from natural sources ) micronutrients including Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Sulfur (S) and Zinc (Zn) plus a natural detergent based "sticker" that makes the product stick to the leaves until absorbed by the plant.
This mix will make 16 gallons of solution.
  JPAG04 Plant Growth Stimulator for Gourds $14.95

RTP625 Tomato Trellis Clips

A must for serious tomato growers, these white plastic clips form a 3/4 inch circle around stem and trellis line or tomato cage wire. Stems have side openings for ventilation and have a quick release feature that allows you to move them during the year as the plant grows. Use them year after year. Excellent for cucumber and other type vine crops too!

Bag of 50 clips $3.95
Bag of 250 clips $12.95
BK102 Decorating Pumpkins and Gourds
20 Fun and Stylish Projects for Decorating Pumpkins, Gourds, and Squashes
By Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell
Hardcover, 96 pages, 7 3/4 x 7 3/4, full-color photographs

Pumpkin carving is an easy skill to master. This book, by award-winning artist Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell, contains 20 fun projects for decorating pumpkins, squashes, and gourds, with ideas that will appeal to both children and adults. There are scary faces for Halloween, beautiful centerpieces that will transform any Christmas or Thanksgiving table, and stunning lanterns to light up your home or garden. Each project has easy-to-follow instructions with charming hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations. There are beautiful photographs of all the finished pieces, plus plenty of variations, tips, and techniques to inspire you to create your own decorated pumpkins and gourds.

• Decorating for Halloween is more popular than ever.
• The 20 projects include ideas for decorating gourds and squashes as well as pumpkins, so that you can have wonderful decorations throughout fall and winter.
• Project variations provide extra inspiration and ideas for crafters.

  $15.95
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