Gourds
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Giant Harvest Gourds Lunch Lady
BEST TO START SEEDS INDOORS
Several weeks before last spring frost date, sow 2 seeds each, 1 in. deep, in individual pots of potting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. When nights stay above 50°F (10°C), thin to one seedling per pot and gradually acclimate to outdoors. Transplant at along a sturdy fence or trellis to climb effortlessly and form a lush canopy or allow vines to ramble at garden edges.
START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
Sow seeds directly outdoors only if you have a long growing season. Sow only after night temperatures stay solidly above 50°F. (10°C). In full sun, sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a garden fence or sturdy trellis or along garden edges. Thin seedlings to final spacing 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Unique Lunch Lady gourds need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. For earliest and best yields, hand-pollinate gourds: pick a blooming male flower and dust pollen onto fresh female flowers (the ones with small fruits at the base).
Repeat as new flowers appear. Pollinated fruits start growing larger within several days. Gourds are mature when rinds are tough and the tendril next to the stem turns brown. Harvest with several inches of stem. Dry in a well-ventilated place.
Note: the flesh of Lunch Lady ornamental gourds has a bitter gene and is not edible.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per -
Compact Vining Gourds Bath Loofah
BEST TO START INDOORS
Several weeks before last spring frost, sow seeds 1 in. deep in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are well established and nights stay above 55°F (13°C), acclimate to outdoors. Transplant at sunny garden edges to ramble, or 12 inches apart along a sturdy fence or trellis to climb and form a lush canopy.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Start seeds outdoors only after night temps stay above 55°F (13°C). In full sun, sow 2 or 3 seeds 1 inch deep in groups spaced 12 inches apart and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to 1 or 2 strongest seedlings per group.
GROWING NOTES
Loofahs need full sun, very rich, fertile soil and warm temperatures. For earliest and best yields, hand-pollinate gourds: pick a blooming male flower and dust pollen onto fresh female flowers (the ones with small fruits at the base). Repeat as new flowers appear. Pollinated fruits start growing larger within several days.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest when loofahs are fully matured with brown and dry outer rinds, are very light for their size, and seeds rattle inside. Peel off the dark outer rind, exposing the fibrous honeycomb sponge-like interior. Cut open end to shake out seeds. Finish by soaking loofahs for an hour in a weak bleach solution (10:1) to whiten and brighten color. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Use in everyday skincare as a natural sponge, skin, buffer and exfoliator.
Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Crafter's Gourds Bottles & Bowls
BEST TO START SEEDS INDOORS
Several weeks before last spring frost date, sow seeds 1 inch deep in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist while awaiting germination and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are well-established and night temps. stay above 50°F (10°C), acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant at sunny garden edges to ramble, or 12 inches apart along a sturdy fence or trellis to form a lush canopy.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Start seeds outdoors only in areas with a very long growing season. Plant after night temps. stay above 50°F (10°C). In full sun, sow 2 or 3 seeds 1 inch deep and in groups spaced 12 inches apart and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to 1 or 2 strongest seedlings per group. Or plant 6 to 8 seeds in hills 8 feet apart, thinning to 3 or 4 per hill and allowing vines to ramble.
GROWING NOTES
Gourds need full sun, very rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. For earliest and best yields, hand-pollinate gourds: break off a blooming male flower and dust pollen onto fresh female flowers (the ones with small fruits at the base). Repeat as new flowers appear. Pollinated fruits start growing larger within several days.
HARVEST AND USE
Gourds are mature when the tendril next to stem has turned brown and rinds are tough. Harvest with several inches of stem. Dry gourds in a well-ventilated place. Once fully cured, (which can take several months) gourds are light for their size and seeds will rattle inside. Molds often develop on the surface, but do no harm. Discard gourds that rot or are soft and wrinkled.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Ornamental Gourds Wings and Warts
STARTING SEEDS
To start seeds early: Several weeks before last spring frost date, sow 2 seeds each, 1 inch deep, in individual pots of potting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are well-established and outside temperatures are above 50°, pinch to one plant per pot and acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Transplant seedlings at sunny garden edges to ramble or 12 inches apart along a sturdy fence or trellis to form a lush canopy.
Start seeds outdoors: only in areas with a very long growing season. Plant after night temperatures stay above 50°. In full sun, sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows 4 feet apart. Thin seedlings to final spacing 1 foot apart. Or, plant 6 to 8 seeds in hills 8 feet apart, thinning to 3 or 4 per hill and allowing vines to ramble or grow them up fences, trellises or tepees.
GROWING NOTES
Gourds need full sun, very rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. For earliest and best yields, hand-pollinate gourds: break off a blooming male flower and dust pollen onto fresh female flowers (the ones with small fruits at the base). Repeat as new flowers appear. Pollinated fruits start growing larger within several days. Gourds are mature when the tendril next to the stem turns brown and rinds are tough. Harvest with several inches of stem. Dry in a well-ventilated place.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per
