How to Plant and Grow Gourds

Differing in color, shape, and size, every gourd looks unique. Easy to grow, gourds thrive in long, warm growing seasons and large spaces. Don’t have space for a large garden? No problem. Plant gourds at the base of a fence panel and let them grow up the side of the structure. Celebrate the bounty of autumn by bringing your favorite gourds indoors to use as fall decor. 

Where to Plant Gourds

Gourds need full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH between 6.5 and 7.5).

An important consideration when scouting your yard for a suitable spot is space, as the vines can reach up to 12 feet in length. A trellis, fence, or teepee is helpful for preventing plants from rambling great lengths and sprawling through the garden or lawn. Compost heaps are popular for growing gourds.

Do not plant gourds in the same location where other members of the Cucurbitae family (cucumber, winter and summer squash, melons) were grown in the past three years.

How and When to Plant Gourds

Gourds require a long, warm growing season. In Zones 4 and below, consider starting the seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost to get an early start on the season. When seedlings are well-established and outside temperatures are above 50 degrees F, acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them in garden soil. Because gourd roots don’t like to be disturbed, it is best to start the seeds in biodegradable pots. At planting time, dig a hole the size and depth of the pot and bury the pots in the ground. Cover with a thin layer of soil so no part of the pot is exposed, which causes moisture loss. Space the seedlings at least 4 to 5 feet apart when using a trellis. Without a trellis, space them 6 to 10 feet apart.

In areas with a long growing season, you can plant the gourd seeds directly in the garden after nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 50 degrees F.

Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep and 1 foot apart. As the seedlings emerge, thin them out according to the spacing instructions above.

If you plan to grow the gourds on a trellis, erect a sturdy trellis (gourds are heavy!) at planting time.

Gourd Care Tips

Light

Like many vegetables, gourds grow best in full sun. Plant them in an area where they will receive at least 8 hours of bright sunlight per day.

Soil and Water

The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, well-drained, and with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

In the absence of rain, water the plants slowly and deeply with at least 1 inch of water. Mulching around the base of the plants retains soil moisture.

Temperature and Humidity

Gourds are frost-sensitive plants. They grow best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F and don’t do well in extreme heat. During a heat wave, make sure to give them extra water.

Fertilizer

Feed the gourds twice, once at planting time, and again when the vines are 12 to 18 inches long. Use a granular slow-release fertilizer that is low in nitrogen (5-10-10, 6-12-12, or similar). For the initial feeding, mix the fertilizer into the soil. When feeding the vines, spread the fertilizer in a 1-foot circle around the stem. For the amount to use, follow product label directions.

Harvesting

Harvest ornamental and hard-shell gourds when vines begin to dry and the shells have hardened, leaving 1 to 2 inches of stem attached. Wash any dirt off the surface, then cure the shells by storing gourds in a warm, dry location for one to two weeks. Continue curing the gourds until the interior dries, too. This will take several weeks for ornamental gourds and up to six months for hard-shell gourds. Discard any that begin to mold or rot. Get creative with the rest in your fall decor.

Harvest luffa gourds when the fruit is lightweight and seeds rattle inside. After drying luffa gourds, cut off the stem end and shake out the seeds. Remove the skin and bleach the spongy flesh in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Rinse and dry before using as a bathing sponge.

Potting and Repotting Gourds

Gourds are not suitable for containers. Even if you grow them vertically on a trellis, containers don’t offer enough of a solid base and are likely to topple over under the weight of the vines.

Pests and Problems 

Gourds can get various fungal diseases, including leaf spots and verticillium wilt. The plants can also be affected by plant viruses, including cucumber mosaic virus. They are often transmitted by insects such as the squash vine borer.

How to Propagate Gourds

Gourds are propagated from seeds. If you are growing an open-pollinated gourd type and not hybrid gourds, you can save the seeds for next year.

You can either start gourds indoors or plant them directly in the garden. To start them indoors, sow seeds in biodegradable pots filled with potting mix. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 2 seeds per pot. Keep pots warm and moist and provide a strong light source. If both seeds have germinated, cut the weaker seedling off at soil level so there is one plant per pot.

Types of Gourd

Luffa Gourd

A popular variety of luffa is Luffa aegyptiaca, known as the sponge gourd. The long, cylindrical fruits grow on a vigorous vine. The spongy, dried interior is used as a bath sponge.

Dipper Gourd

Dipper gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is characterized by its long, narrow neck and swollen base. After drying, cut it in half lengthwise to make a dipper.

Bottle Gourd

Lagenaria siceraria is also called birdhouse gourd because dried fruits may be made into birdhouses. In its immature stage, it is eaten as a vegetable, which is known as calabash.

Miniature Pumpkin

These mini pumpkins are a variety of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) which has been bred as an ornamental for fall decorations.

Soft-Shell Gourd

This ornamental Cucurbita species may have smooth or warty skin, and vary in color from white to green, yellow, orange, or striped.