Gourd Seed


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

Click here to learn how to Hand Pollinate your Gourds


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 daisy gourd, smooth and warted mixes, 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.

If you are going to make a birdhouse out of the gourds, consider using this guideline for making holes in the gourd birdhouses for different types of birds:
Owls: Barn Owls requires a full 6 inch entrance hole but Screech Owls and Kestrels are smaller and only require a 3 inch entrance opening. You will need to use bushel or large kettle gourds for these birds.
Wood Ducks: make the front entrance hole 4 inches in diameter, the shape can be irregular if you like. The african wine kettle will work fine as well as the smaller bushel types.
Purple Martins: A lot of folks like a 2-1/8" hole for purple martins and this will work fine, but we personally like to make ours an even two inches and this seems to work fine here in the south.
Sparrows, woody woodpeckers, swallows, yellow belly sap suckers: A 1-1/2 hole seems to work well for all of these.
Chickadees, downy woodpeckers, wrens and nuthatches seem to prefer a 1-1/4" hole.


RGS187 Flower Vase Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This is a great gourd for crafting, it measures about 4 inches in diameter and about 18 inches tall. Has a good thick wall and dries to a buff brown. Can be grown on the ground, but for best looking gourds, you should grow them on a trellis.
 Package of 5 seeds $3.95
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 $3.95
Image: By Pumpkin Hollow Gourds. They offer a great selection of dry gourds for sale.
RGS177 100 Lb. Bushel Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Gigantic ornamental gourds. This bushel gourd produces gigantic size gourds that can grow up 3 to 5 feet around ( circumference, or 20 inches diameter ), the size of a bushel basket, and can weigh as much as 100 lbs. Of course, for the maximum size gourd possible, you should leave only one gourd per plant while growing, but if max size is not important, you can leave all of the gourds on the plant to grow a lot of huge gourds. Excellent for making crafts. Impress you neighbors by growing a giant gourd.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $12.95
RGS034 Bushel Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
It is not unusual for them to grow to over the size of a bushel, especially if you trim them to 1 fruit per plant. Needs a long season to mature - plant as early as possible. Slate gray gourds make excellent baskets when dried, as their shells are stronger than other gourds.
Native Americans used the vessels created by this gourd when dried, as storage containers. 115 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $8.95
  Package of 100 seeds $24.95
RGS189 Bowl/Tobaccobox/Canteen/Basket Gourd Seed Mix
This seed mix is a great blend of craft gourds in various sizes and shapes. These gourds will produce bowls, canteens, tobacco box, sugar bowl and baskets types. The basket and bowl types are small bushel types of different sizes and shapes. The sugar bowls, tobacco box and canteens are gourds with a flattened shape in various sizes. About 90-110 days. This is a mixture of seeds, varieties are not separated.
 Package of mixed seeds. ( There are about 30-40 seeds in a 5.2g pack, but this can vary a bit, sold by weight, not seed count ) $7.95
RGS175 Big Boy Mix
Big Boy Mix contains Swan, Caveman’s Club, Bushel, Dipper, Birdhouse, Apple, Snake and other large gourds. This is a blended seed mix that will produce an incredible amount of gourds. An economical way to buy the most popular big gourds.
 4.75g package ( about 25 seeds ) $3.95
 100 seeds $12.95
 2 ounce pack ( about 225 seeds ) $21.95
TWT290 Indy Mix
This is a premium miniature gourd mix with a great selection. Colorful mixture of interesting types, including warted, spoons, and fancy miniatures.
  1.4g pack ( about 25 seeds ) $3.95
RGS009 Nest Egg Gourd ( Cucurbita pepo )
Beautiful, white oblong small gourds resembling eggs. Great for painting and decorations. Produces high yields of white egg shaped gourds. Gourds are smooth and hard. The Nest Egg Gourd strongly resembles a goose egg or hen's egg.
These white oblong small gourds were used to place in the nest to trick hens. Will grow up to 2½ inches in diameter. Also painted for easter egg hunts, and can be saved for years.
A low germinator, expect about 65% germination.
  Package of 10 seeds $3.95
RGS199 Mini Sausage Gourd
These are wonderful small grouds for dry decorations and fall wreaths. They are so rare they make for unique arrangements. Averaging about an inch or more in diameter and 4 to 5 inches long, they are so easy to work with. They dry to a buff brown or can be painted as needed. We grow ours on a trellis for lots of consistent size gourds. The hard shell will keep for years when painted.
  Package of 10 seeds $3.95
RGS174 Hoargarth
Distinctive new orange and dark green gourd from Rupp. Wart-covered fruit measures 7 inches wide by about 5 inches high. Intermediate bush type. Adds texture to fall displays.
90 days.
Available only in Treated Seed.
 5 seeds $2.95
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.
Available only in Treated Seed.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
 Package of 25 seeds $9.95
 Package of 100 seeds $24.95
RGS194 Santa Clause
We have had quite a few requests for this gourd over the years, it seems it is very popular for holiday decorations. Perfect for crafting. Often used to decorate with a "Santa Clause" face and hat. 95 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $8.95
RGS164 Giant African Wine Kettle ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Wow, this is a big kettle gourd! We have had requests for these for a long time, and have finally secured a source for true, viable seed. We have a very small amount this year, so order early.
The Giant African Wine Kettle will produce a huge gourd measuring sometimes 24" or more across the bottom of the gourd. Normal size is about 18" across and about 15" tall in our experience.
A very popular gourd when dried. Musicians covet them for large drums. Requires a longer growing season than other gourds, about 110 days.
 Package of 5 large seeds $4.95
TWT297 African Wine Kettle Cross
These cross seeds generally make gourds in the African Wine Kettle shape, but they can vary quite a bit and may produce other large gourd shapes. 95 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $4.95
RGS015 Speckled Swan ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The Speckled Swan is a beautiful swan shaped gourd. This gourd has a long 12-16" neck that curves and enlarges at the end to resemble a swan. This gourd is ideal for selling at fall markets for decorating or painting once dried! Should be picked when young for best shape and color. 125 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
 Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS041 Big Apple Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A variety of sizes are produced, and the shape can vary from round to an upright Delicious apple shape. A novel fall crafting item that are a sure hit for roadside markets and fall festivals.
The Big Apple is a gourd that is great for ornamental uses. This gourd plant produces 8-inch fruit that looks just like giant apples, hence its name! This gourd is great for crafts and fall displays. Big Apple can also be painted red or made into birdhouses. 110 days
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $9.95
RGS195 Small Apple Gourd ( Cucurpita pepo )
Not to be confused with the larger Apple Gourd (which is a true gourd), this variety is actually a hard shelled squash. It produces small, apple-shaped fruits that ripen to green and finally orange. Popularly used as ornamentals, in decorations, and for crafting.
Apple Small gourds are easy to grow at home in the summer and come in high yields. The small apple shaped gourds are dark green when fresh, and dry to be brown. Seeds can be sown indoors or directly. Plant seeds or seedlings in hills 6" apart to account for great plant growth. 100-120 days.
 1.5g Package ( about 25 seeds ) $3.95
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
RGS002 Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
These very popular hourglass-shaped gourds reach 10-12" at the bulb end and are perfect for making birdhouses! The tan shell becomes hard and glossy when it is ready for harvest in about 120 days.
Classic type for crafting. Larger, rounded blossom end with a narrow neck and slightly bulbed stem end. Harvest when the smooth, greenish rind turns white or starts to brown. Dry for crafting into durable bottles, birdhouses, etc. Trellis vines for consistent fruit shape.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS032 Miniature Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
These miniature bottle-shaped gourds grow about half the size of normal bottle gourds. These are best harvested after the plant is fully mature and dry. They can be used as containers or decorations. 90-95 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS160 Chinese Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
The Chinese gourd, also known as the hulu or bottle gourd, is a member of the gourd family and is native to Southeast Asia. This versatile plant has been cultivated for thousands of years in China, and it has a rich cultural history and significance in Chinese folklore and tradition.
These pear shaped gourds grow about 9 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). 100 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
  Package of 100 seeds $12.95
RGS185 African Drum ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Very large 20 to 24 inch gourds with thick walls when grown in optimal conditions (up to 3/4 inch). Shape is round to slightly teardrop. In Common Wealth Seed Growers' 2015 gourd trial of 29 varieties, this is one of only six that held up to the heavy Downy Mildew pressure and grew well into October. Original seedstock came from Suzanne Ashworth through Seed Savers Exchange. Requires a longer growing season than other gourds, about 150 days.
 Package of 5 large seeds $7.95
JB109 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! 90-100 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $8.95
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. Has a long, skinny, curving neck with a round bulbous end, can be cut and used as a ladle or dipper when dried. Grow on a trellis for straighter, longer handles, or on the ground for curved handles. 110 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS178 Extra Long Handle Dipper Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A new selection from Clifton, these will of course have to be grown from an upright position such as fence or trells. Oval-round end is attached to a long handle that grows longer and straighter if suspended. Very popular for arts and crafts. Matures late, plant early in short seasons. About 125 days.
 5 seeds $3.95
RGS198 Standard Dipper Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
This large gourd has a long curved neck or "handle" and a bulb or "dipper" on the end that is about 10" in diameter. This gourd is green in color when growing, but can be dried to a tan color and used for crafts! It takes about 120 days to reach maturity. Handles vary, but can reach 24 inches long.
  3.2g package ( about 20-25 seeds ) $3.95
  Package of 100 seeds $9.95
RGS022 Long Siphon ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Extra long 36 inch hollow handle with 10 inch diameter ball end. For straight handle gourds, grow on trellis or fence.
Available only in Treated Seed.
 1.2g Package ( about 12 seeds ) $3.95
RGS013 Turk's Turban ( Cucurbita maxima )
Large Aladdin type gourd. Bright red-orange turban with white and green cap. Brightly colored ornamental gourd has large, flattened fruits measuring 8 to 10 inches across. This gourd is striped with scarlet, white, orange, cream, and green. It is decorative and edible. Turk's Turban Gourd seeds yield orange gourds that have a flavor similar to squash. The Gourd seeds do best in well-drained soil, and full sun and can be harvested off the vine when ready. 100 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
LET815 Harvest Flowers Hybrid Mix
An awesome collection of ornamental gourds with flower patterns. As many colors, shapes and patterns as one can imagine.
Bush plants maturing in 65 to 70 days. Bush habit allows for tighter spacing and good harvest of highly ornamental fruit. The bright disc shaped fruits are multi-colored and resemble sunflowers. 90-110 days.
 10 seeds $3.95
LET579 Ute Turban ( Cucurbita maxima)
Features both familiar but yet different ornamental appeal and is also edible. An old heirloom with a distinguished take on a turban squash with its bright yellow flesh and a flavor that is has hint of sweet. Shaped like a green Turks Turban squash, with a huge button on the bottom, this ancient variety is from the native Ute people who lived Colorado from AD 1300 to 1881. Considered a winter squash that's light green in color and is indeed a member of the Turks turban squash family. It has almost a sweet melon flavor when eaten raw and a light yellow flesh. Delicate mild flavor, great roasted, grilled, or fried. This is a one of a kind fall display ornamental that is also good eating!
100 days. Mature fruits average 4-5 pounds.
  Package of 5 seeds $3.95
RGS112 Dinosaur ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Also called Caveman's Club and Maranka Gourds. A conversation piece. Lustrous green skin with distinct ridges for a unique reptilian appearance. Impressive yields of large, 18–24" long fruits. Can be dried like a bottle gourd. Grow on a trellis for straight handels ( Caveman Club) or on ground for curved handle, perfect for gourd-craft swans. 125 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS023 Water Jug ( Lagenaria siceraria )
Very similar to the bottle gourd with hourglass shape, slightly larger and a little differnt shape, very ornamental. 105 days.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95
RGS176 Calabash ( Lagenaria siceraria )
One of the oldest and most used gourds which can either be harvested young and used as a vegetable, or harvested mature, dried, and used as a bottle, utensil, or pipe. Lagenaria siceraria is thought to have originated in Africa and is considered one of the oldest domesticated plants in the world.
  1.5g Package ( about 12 seeds ) $3.95
RGS029 Birdhouse Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A ball shaped gourd with a long neck, very popular for creating natural birdhouses. Very much like the Bottle Gourd seed we also offer, but we have noticed with this one we seem to get more variations in size, which is good for making different size bird houses for different species of birds.
 1.5g Package ( about 8-10 seeds ) $2.95
 25 seeds $5.95
Image:Harris Seeds
RGS197 Small Spoon Mix
This is a selection of the familiar solid and bicolor hard shell spoon type gourds. Handles are variously curved and slender, and gourds indeed are spoon-shaped when cut in half lengthwise.
Available only in Treated Seed.
  950mg pack ( about 20 seeds ) $2.95
  100 seeds $7.95
RGS033 Pear Bicolor ( C. pepo )
Pear shaped hard and smooth fruit with lower half green, upper half yellow to buff. Great wreath decoration material as well as fall cornucopia.
Available only in Treated Seed.
 500mg Package ( averages about 10-15 seeds ) $2.95
 Package of 25 seeds $5.95
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 $3.95
 Package of 25 seeds $7.95
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. Of course this will vary slightly from pack to pack.
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 if bruised. 100 days.
 10 seeds $2.95
 25 seeds $5.95
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. Harvest when vines are dead and dry for about 65 days inside. 100 days.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

Special Mixes
Many large seed companies have their own unique mix of gourd seeds, we have picked out some of our favorites:
RGS196 Small Ornamental Mixture
Beautiful patterns, sizes, shapes and colors. Small fruits are great for table decorations, fresh or dried wreaths, and so many other crafting projects.
  2g pack ( about 25-30 seeds ) $4.95
RGS012 Small Fruited Mix
Wonderful blend of types for drying and ornamental uses. Mostly C. pepo varieties.
  1.5g pack ( about 30 seeds ) $2.95
  150 seeds $7.95
SF073 Weird Warted Pro Mix ( Cucurbita Pepo Mix )
With a fantastic array of shapes, patterns, and colors, this wildly warted gourd mix is great fun for the family garden, and a high demand item for market. Originally created for the packing trade, with a more uniform smaller size than some mixes, with flats, rounds, pears, and spoons in solids, stripes, and bicolors all included. 80-95 Days.
 1.15g Package ( about 25 seeds ) $2.95
 100 seeds $8.95

Snake Gourds
The snake gourd is really a quick developing vine that, a long time before being grown, was ingested by the residents of the regions exactly where it grew untamed. Today it's a relatively well-known veggie utilized in numerous standard recipes. They are often simple to find in Asian grocery shops while in season. It is really an annual climber with increased or even much less palmate, 2 or 3 lobed or even somewhat wavy leaflets along with serrated edges.
Its flowers have got lengthy fringes on the petals, and although male flowers usually are carried in cluster, female flowers are individual. The bear delicious, strangely shaped fruit that appear to be just like coiled up snakes, or can be grown on a trellis to be long and straight. They're plain green or even grey-green becoming orange or red whenever ripe. Their rind is thin and also the flesh thick as well as juicy. Just like cucumbers, they include several little, flat, ovoid, as well as soft seeds that, once the fruit is ripe, turn out to be big and hard. They've got a fragile, fairly sweet flavor.

Snake gourd includes a large amount of water as well as fiber, only a number of calories. It really is abundant with proteins, vitamins A, B and C in addition to minerals (manganese, potassium, iron and iodine). It is just a diuretic that can help the organism by reducing its harmful particles. It features a relaxing impact on the bodily tissue; therefore calming inflammations.
Additionally, it features a positive as well as calming impact on the nervous system. It encourages the circulation of blood as well as contribution to cleaning the blood of toxins. Much like green beans, snake gourd is cut into pieces as well as cooked in boiling salted water for 5 to 10 minutes.
It may be served with a curry sauce, salads, vegetable soups, ragouts, or couscous. It may also be included with various other veggie, cooked along with tomatoes and onions, or combined with chopped meat or even chopped fish. The young shoots and leaves may also be consumed in salads or even stews.

Snake Gourd Seeds

RGS005 Snake Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria )
A favorite from England. An Excellent climber with long, curved, gourds that grow long and curled and look like a snake. They will dry hard and make a really nice craft that can be painted. They can be eaten like a summer squash at its early stages. It is best to grow this vining gourd on fence, trellis or some other type of support for obtaining young straight fuits, or allow to grow on the ground to obtain the curvy snake design. About 100 days to mature.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
  Package of 25 seeds $5.95


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

Loofah Sponge
RGS031 Common Luffa Sponge
Everyone who has a garden, fence or backyard space should grow this amazing plant. The ever popular dishcloth, bath sponge gourd. Should be grown on trellis, fence or allow even to climb small trees.
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. Here are some helpful links on growing and harvesting the loofa sponge:
How to grow natural loofa sponges.
How to harvest your luffa and turn them into sponges.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
 100 Seeds $9.95
3319 Oriental Hybrid Extra Long
Young fruits are eaten, fruit left to mature on the vine can be used for luffa sponges. This unique hybrid luffa produces extra long fruits, 33 inches long 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 25 seeds $5.95

Decorative, Edible Squash
Grow your own fall decorations and tasty dinner squash from the seeds below.
Squash
1A211 Marina di Chioggia Squash
The heirloom sea pumpkin of Chioggia, on the coast of Italy, The large turban shaped fruit are deep blue-green. It is one of the most beautiful and unique of all squash. A perfect variety for market gardeners. The rich, sweet flesh is a deep yellow-orange and of good quality, delicious baked or in pies. The fruit weigh about 10 lbs. each and are produced on vigorous vines. Stunning!
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95
1A364 Waltham Butternut
Butternut, uniform large 5 lb, productive, very long storage potential, tan skin, 100 days.
  $2.95 per pack of 10 seeds
  $5.95 per pack of 25 seeds


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

JCLIP Jumbo Trellis Clips

The best clips for traing gourd vines to fence or tressis. These jumbo plastic trellis clips are larger than standard tomato trellis clips and form a 1 inch circle around stem and trellis line or cage wire compared to a ¾ circle on most tomato trellis clips ( as shown in photo ). These have been so popular over the years that we now only offer this size and have discontinued the smaller size shown in photo.
These are very handy when you are using bamboo stakes or clipping larger pepper plant stems. Clips 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 vine crops as well and staking any young plant.

Bag of 150 clips $9.95

Jim's Plant Growth Stimulator

Please note that this is not a plant food or fertilize, this is a combination of natural ingredients intended to improve plant growth. Many greenhouse growers and commercial farms use a combination of these ingredients in their growing process. We have been using this formula in our gardens, fields and greenhouses since 1992, and we use it on everything we grow. We would not make this available to our customers if we did not firmly believe that it does enhance the growth and health of plants that it is applied to.
To see the results for yourself, we advise using it on some plants and not on others and see the difference.

Note: We only ship this product to addresses inside the USA. The following ingredients are used in making Jim's Plant Growth Stimulator:

Gibberellic Acid

Gibberellic Acid is a member of a type of plant hormone called Gibberellins, which regulate the growth rate of plants. It was first discovered in Japan, in 1935 as a result of the study of a condition common in rice plants called "foolish seedling" disease, which caused the plants to grow much taller than normal. The effects of gibberellins weren't widely understood until years later.
Gibberellic Acid is EPA approved, and is commercially used to grow most fruits and vegetables we eat.

B1 Vitamins and Plant Hormones

We add a blend of plant vitamins and hormones to stimulate plant growth and allow the plant to absorb food from the soil quicker and also assimilate micronutrients that they may not normally be able to absorb due to various soil conditions.

Micronutrients

All plants benefit from micronutrients, so we've added a humic acid base with Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Sulfur (S) and Zinc (Zn) in our solution.

Other ingredients

We also add a natural detergent additive that causes the sprayed on solution to "stick" to the plant leaves until the solution is absorbed by the plant, this detergent also discourages insects from feeding on the leaves for a short time after the solution is applied.

Each 8 ounce bottle of JPG01 Plant Growth Stimulator makes 16 gallons spray-on solution, you can also use a drench and pour it around the base of the plant if you prefer. The bottle comes with a 1/2 ounce measuring spoon, simply mix a half ounce of plant growth stimulator with a gallon of water and spray onto the plants, or drench the soil around the plant. :

Spray plants weekly, best to apply in early morning/late evening. Start spraying when plants are young. Can be sprayed onto vegetable plants upto harvest. Mix 1/2 ounce stimulator with one gallon of water.
JPG01 Plant Growth Stimulator
  $15.95