Gourd, Birdhouse Bottle (Lagenaria siceraria Dipper) - 15 Seeds

•Heirloom
•Non-GMO
•American grown seeds
•Easy to grow
•USDA Zones: 3-12

Description:
These very popular hourglass-shaped gourds reach 10-12" at the bulb end and are perfect for making birdhouses. The tan shell becomes hard and glossy when it is ready to harvest in about 120 days. Birdhouse Gourds have a long and amazing history that dates back through ancient Asian, Polynesian and African civilizations.

Growing Instructions:
In shorter growing seasons, start gourd seeds indoor in peat pots about 3-4 weeks before the last frost. To speed germination, soak the seeds overnight. Plant the seedlings outdoors in rich soil and full sun after the last spring. For direct sowing, wait until the soil has warmed up to 70° then plant 5 seeds per hill, 1" deep with 5 foot spacing and think each hill to the strongest plant. Keep soil evenly moist and put down mulch to help retain moisture and keep the gourds from contacting the ground. Too much soil can weaken the shell and distort the shape.