Gourd, which are known botanically as Cucurbitaceae, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing gourd as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Gourd
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the gourd seeds in spring, as soon as there’s no danger of frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when gourd are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Gourd the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing gourd in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your gourd grow. Generally, your soil should be sandy, loamy soil. Soil PH levels should be around 5.8 to 6.2.
4′ apart, keeping rows of seeds approximately 4′ apart. roughly 6′ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1.5″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your gourd seedlings when young vines are about 8″, thin to 3 plants per hill.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Gourd
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your gourd. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your gourd should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Gourd
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your gourd do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your gourd begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Gourd to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your gourd grow.
It takes approximately 14-21 days to germinate, and a total of 120-140 days, from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Gourd
The best time to harvest your gourd is when the vine begins to die back and the skin of the gourd is hard and pale.
Gourd can grow up to about 9-18 inches.
What Can Gourd Be Used For?
Food Use: the skin will often be super bitter, so you’ll probably want to get rid of as much of it as possiblethen scoop out the flesh inside, which is the part you want to eat.
Flavor Profile: pseudo-zucchini flavor.
Can Gourd Grow in Pots and Containers?
No, it is generally not advised to grow gourd in pots or containers.
Are Gourd Safe for Bees?
Yes, gourd are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing gourd is bee-friendly.
