Small Gourd Mix

Small Gourd Mix is an open-pollinated mixture of small gourd varieties including Egg Gourd, Spoon Gourd, Warted Gourd and Dumpling Gourd in a wide variety of colors. All of these gourds can be used for decorative purposes in their more colorful, fresh-picked stage, or allowed to dry for making bowls, spoons and other crafts. Egg Gourds have an oblong shape, but are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Spoon Gourds resemble a large, semi-crookneck squash and can be used to make wooden spoons. Warted Gourds have a bumpy skin and are great for making bowls and other small containers. Dumpling Gourds resemble miniature pumpkins and are great for fall decorating.

Gourds may be direct seeded or transplanted, although we highly recommend direct seeding. To ensure a good stand, we recommend planting Seeds every 12" along the intended row. Once plants emerge, thin plants to one every 2 feet. Gourds can be susceptible to plant diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew if leaves receive excess moisture. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation on winter squash to reduce plant moisture and feed plants more effectively. During periods of heavy rainfall, using a fungicide like Liquid Copper can help to alleviate disease pressure as well.

Gourds are a crop that will produce a one-time harvest at the end of the growing season. They should be harvested when plants die back and the fruits obtain their full color. Stem hardness is also an indication of fruit maturity. Once stems harden, fruits are ready for harvest using a set of pruning shears. Once gourds are harvested, remove the plants from the garden to prevent any fungal spores from overwintering and becoming a problem in future years. Proper crop rotation is extremely important with all gourd varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure.

Small Gourd Mix Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/2"

Seed Spacing: 18-24"

Row Spacing: 5-6'

Days to Maturity: 125

Disease Resistance: None