Gourd Hard-Shelled Birdhouse Seed
Cucurbita - lagenaria

Birdhouse gourds make great birdhouses. Once cured, these hard-shelled gourds will last indefinitely and can be painted, carved, cut, or drilled as you would do with wood for literally hundreds of craft projects. They can be made into pots, planters, bowls, toys, and even hanging baskets. (Instructions for making a birdhouse inside packet.) The 15' to 35' vines can be grown along the ground or up a VERY STURDY trellis or fence. Crop time is 140 days.

When to plant outside: Spring, 2-4 weeks after average last frost and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees.

When to start inside: Recommended only for short season climates, 3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow in individual pots for direct planting.

Special Germination Instructions: Seeding into a black plastic mulch is highly recommended because it keeps down weeds, traps moisture, and warms the soil. Soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before sowing. Though gourd seedlings often emerge in 5-10 days as noted on the packet, please note that gourd seeds with hard coats may take as long as 30 days to germinate in some instances.

Harvesting: Hard-shelled gourds should remain in the garden as long as there is ANY life left in the vines. (Immature gourds will rot instead of drying and curing.) Some gourd growers leave gourds in the garden during the winter to improve their characteristics for craft projects. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem leading to the gourd. Leave 1"-3" of stem for a handle.

How to Dry and Cure: Place gourd in a dry location with good air circulation and out of direct light. Smaller gourds will be dry in 3-6 months; large gourds may take a year to completely dry. Gourds are dry when they turn brown or off white, their shells harden, they are light weight, and the seeds rattle inside. Gourds may mold as they are drying. Surface mold is normal and does not cause decay. (Many people love the interesting patterns it makes). Do not keep molding gourds indoors in your breathing space. The mold can be wiped off with the bleach solution (use 1 oz. liquid bleach to 2 quarts water or bleach wipes) or sanded off after the gourd is completely dry. Check gourds regularly while they are drying; any gourds with a strong odor or soft, rotting spots should be discarded.