Gourd Seeds - Autumn Wings, Ornamental

This ornamental gourd mix features an array of winged and warted varieties, including deeply winged pears and other unique shapes.

The colors are vibrant and draw attention wherever they are displayed. Avg. 8-11 fruits/plant. Craft something from nature after growing these uniquely shaped gourds.

• 1 oz - Approximately 850 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 3,400 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 13,600 Seeds

Sowing Directly in the Garden: Sow in a rich, well-drained location in full sun after all danger of frost. Do not plant squash family crops in the same spot 2 years in a row. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Sow 6-8 seeds 3 inches apart in hills 8 feet apart.
Cover seeds with a ½ inch of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist. Seeds emerge in 7-14 days.
Thin seedlings to 3-4 per hill when they are 1-2 inches high.
How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding. Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Gourds grow well on trellises or supports, keeping the fruits off the ground. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Harvest and Preserving Tips
After the shells harden, harvest the fruits by cutting them from the vines while leaving 1-2 inches of stem attached. For optimal results, cure them in a warm, dry location with good air circulation for a week before storing in a cool, dry place at 50-55 degrees F. This will ensure their availability throughout the winter and allow for them to be added to fall and winter displays when dried.