Giant Bottle Gourd, Lagenaria leucantha var gourda, For ornamental use only.

Gourd » Bottle Gourd - Giant Bottle Gourd,
Lagenaria leucantha var gourda

• Native to South Africa, Lagenaria leucantha var gourda is one of the earliest cultivated plants and has various applications, such as being used for art or as functional objects. Its mature fruits can serve as a utensil, vessel, or even a musical instrument. The ideal time for harvesting is when the stem and tendrils near the fruit turn completely brown.

After the mature fruit has dried and the seeds are removed, this bottle gourd can be used as a container or for decorative purposes. It grows to about 2 ft in length. The plant requires a long, warm growing season. For ornamental use only.

Cultivation: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/early summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location.

 The seed coat is hard and should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours or lightly scarified before sowing. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1' diameter mound 3-4' tall. Space mounds 4-6' apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Hand pollination may be necessary.

 Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. Allow gourds to hang on the vine until they are fully mature and the skin dries and hardens.