Cucurbita lagenaria:
Gourds are a fun and easy vegetable to grow!
This is a very unusual and exotic pear shaped gourd has a dark green base with a golden top. It is generally small in size and has a range of uses from utilitarian to decorative.
All gourds require well drained soil, and preferably a sunny position. Seeds planted in Spring and summer should start to germinate within three weeks.
Grow on mounds of compost or animal manure, this will ensure a faster growth cycle. Plant two seeds in each spot, and thin to the strongest of the two at a later stage.
Only sow the seed to a depth of twice its size. (ie only 1.5cm deep).
Once the seedling is growing, apply liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.