Jeff Green | Aug 20, 2009

Gourds require a long, hot growing season. In Canada, it is best to start the seeds indoors in peat pots and transplant out after all danger of frost. The peat pots minimize root disturbance. The largest gourds I ever grew were on the compost pile where they quickly smothered all weeds and made a lush blanket of greenery. Some like to grow gourds on a trellis because they can take up more garden space than you could ever imagine. The plants need full sun and rich soil. The white male and female flowers appear in late July and are pollinated by the sphinx moth, which is more familiar to us in its juvenile stage - the tomato hornworm. Gardeners can also use a small soft paint brush to transfer the pollen of the male flower to the female flower. Female flowers have a small bump at the back to the flower which, after fertilization, grows into the fruit.
The fruits will not continue to ripen after the vines have been killed by frost. Once harvested, the drying process can take many months, depending on conditions. Gourd fruits lose their greenish cast as they dry down and turn beige or tan. A well-ventilated garage or basement can be ideal. Drier air is better than moist. Don’t be too concerned if your gourds have areas of what appears to be low-growing mold. This will wash off later, You’ll know when they are dry from the hollow sound they make when tapped and also by the rattling of their seeds.
For more gardening information, phone Ankaret Dean at 613-278-1203.
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