Seed Depth: 1 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 6–8 feet

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–10 days

Days to Maturity: 95–120 days

Growth Habit: Sprawling vine

Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enrich soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 70°F or higher.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 18–24 inches apart in rows 6–8 feet apart or in hills with 2–3 seeds per hill. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 2–3 weeks before the last frost and transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; gourds produce a single harvest.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as fruit matures.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer as vines begin to flower.

Pruning: Trim excessive vines to focus energy on fruit development.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch for squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew. Use row covers or organic solutions if needed.

When to Harvest: Harvest when the gourds are fully mature, hard, and vibrant in color, typically 95–120 days after planting. The stem should be dry and woody.

How to Harvest: Cut gourds from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving 1–2 inches of stem attached for longer storage. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Seed Collection: Scoop seeds from fully ripened gourds, rinse, and dry thoroughly.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.