Family: Cucurbitaceae

Gourds are the fruit of the various species of the Cucurbit family, the name applying particularly to those used for ornament, such as cultivars derived from Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera. They vary widely in shape, colour, markings and size and make an attractive indoor decoration. Some species may be available only from specialist clubs or enthusiasts.

Species

Cucumis anguria, gooseberry gourd, with green, prickly fruits, is like ordinary cucumber in growth habit.

Cucumis dip­saceus, hedgehog gourd, produces a burr-like fruit and is also similar to the cucumber in growth.

Cucurbita pepo var. ovifero, yellow-flowered gourd, is a vine, producing an inter­esting range of small, decorative gourds.

Lagenaria siceraria, trumpet or crookneck gourd, is a wide-spreading vine, to 10 m (33 ft), resembling a pumpkin vine. The fruits come in many unusual shapes.

Luffa cylindrica, loofah, is a running, climbing vine, with long fruits, netted, fibrous and dry inside.

Tricosanthes cucumeria var. anguina, snake gourd, is a wide-spreading, climbing vine with long, coiled or straight fruit, to 2 m (6 ft).

Cultivation

These annuals should be treated like pumpkins, cucumbers, melons and other gourds in cultivation. Sow seed where the plants are to grow in late spring in rich soil in a sunny location, allowing space for their trailing habit. Otherwise they can be contained in a smaller area by training them onto a trellis.

Alternatively, sow under glass in mid-spring and plant out in late spring or early summer. To assist fruiting, water with liquid manure until fruit is ready for harvest in early autumn. To use the fruit as an ornament, cut it with some stem and leave to dry in a warm, dry place for several weeks.

Climate

Zone 10, but grown as a summer annual.