The Ultimate Guide to Growing Ornamental Gourds in Your Garden

If you’re looking to add a touch of autumnal beauty to your garden, ornamental gourds are the perfect choice. These unique, colorful veggies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for both decorative purposes and as a delicious and nutritious addition to your family’s meals.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best ornamental gourd varieties to grow in your backyard this fall. From the striking ‘Apple’ gourd to the unusual ‘Turk’s Turban,’ we’ll explore the unique characteristics and growing requirements of each variety to help you choose the perfect gourd for your garden.

Types of Ornamental Gourds

Before we dive into the best gourd varieties to grow, let’s first explore the two main types of ornamental gourds:

1. Hard-Shell Gourds (Lagenaria genus): Also known as calabash or bottle gourds, these varieties are ideal for crafting into containers or birdhouses.
2. Cucurbita genus: This group includes edible squash and pumpkins, as well as ornamental gourd varieties that are perfect for adding a touch of color to your garden.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best ornamental gourd varieties to grow in your backyard this fall.

1. Apple (L. siceraria)

• Description: The ‘Apple’ gourd features a striking deep green color speckled with lighter flecks, resembling a combination of a pumpkin and an apple.
• Growing Requirements: This vigorous grower requires full sunlight and produces fruits that are 6-8 inches high by 4 inches across.
• Availability: Seeds for this heirloom cultivar are available at Burpee.

2. Daisy (C. pepo)

• Description: The ‘Daisy’ gourd produces fruits with a unique flower pattern on the stem end, available in various shades of green, orange, and yellow.
• Growing Requirements: These gorgeous gourds grow to 3 inches by 2 inches in size on long trailing vines.
• Availability: Seeds for ‘Daisy’ can be found at Burpee.

3. Extra Long Handle Dipper (L. siceraria)

• Description: This unusual variety features a long curved “handle” with a bulbous end, perfect for making attractive fall and winter decorations.
• Growing Requirements: ‘Extra Long Handle Dipper’ matures in 110-130 days and thrives in full sun.
• Availability: Seeds for this unique variety are available at Burpee.

4. Mixed Varieties (L. siceraria and C. pepo)

• Description: A mix of large and small gourd varieties that produce colorful and eye-catching fruits.
• Growing Requirements: Large mix varieties are sprawling vines that need space to spread out, while small mix varieties are perfect for fall and winter decorations.
• Availability: Seed mixes can be found at True Leaf Market and Eden Brothers.

5. Speckled Swan (L. siceraria)

• Description: This unusual cultivar features a grassy green color with creamy white specks and a sweeping 12 to 16-inch neck that curves downwards.
• Growing Requirements: ‘Speckled Swan’ matures in 115-125 days and enjoys full sun.
• Availability: Seeds for ‘Speckled Swan’ can be found at Burpee and Botanical Interests.

6. Tennessee Spinning (C. pepo)

• Description: This ornamental variety looks like a misshapen watermelon, perfect for crafts or decorations.
• Growing Requirements: ‘Tennessee Spinning’ matures in 90-100 days and requires full sun.
• Availability: Seeds for this variety can be found at various retailers.

7. Turk’s Turban (C. maxima)

• Description: This unique variety features two halves with a solid bottom color and a beige “turban” with streaks of reddish orange and green.
• Growing Requirements: ‘Turk’s Turban’ is suitable for both ornamental and edible purposes, and matures in 95 days.
• Availability: Seeds for this variety can be found at Eden Brothers.

Which Gorgeous Gourd Is Right For You?

With so many beautiful gourd varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect addition to your garden this fall. Whether you’re looking for a decorative gourd for crafting or a delicious addition to your meals, there’s a variety that suits your needs.

Have you grown ornamental gourds in your garden? What are your favorite ways to use them? Let us know in the comments below!

For more inspiration, check out these guides:

• Grow Your Own Birdhouses With These Decorative Gourds
• From Crookneck to Zucchini: Your Summer Squash Growing Guide
• Smoother Skin from the Garden? Learn How to Grow Loofah

Remember, growing ornamental gourds is not only a fun and educational experience but also a beautiful way to add color to your garden this fall.

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By exploring the unique characteristics and growing requirements of each ornamental gourd variety, you can make an informed decision on which gourd is right for your garden. Whether you’re looking for a striking decorative piece or a delicious addition to your meals, there’s a gourd variety that’s perfect for you. So go ahead, plant some gourd seeds this fall and enjoy the colorful harvest that follows.