Long bottle gourd Seeds

Experience the unique and versatile Long Bottle Gourd, an heirloom variety with an approximate maturity period of about 100 days. Lagenaria siceraria, known for its long bat-shaped gourd, is an annual, non-GMO cultivar.

This variety offers a dual purpose as both an edible and delicious fruit when harvested young, as well as a potential source for full-sized, hard gourds. When allowed to mature, these gourds can be utilized as containers or transformed into fun crafts, showcasing the plant’s multifaceted nature.

The Long Bottle Gourd flourishes on a long-vined plant, making it well-suited for growth on a trellis. Alternatively, if sufficient space is available, it can be cultivated on the ground. This flexibility in growing conditions adds to its appeal for home gardeners.

Each packet contains heirloom seeds, preserving the authentic traits of this unique gourd variety. With approximately. Explore the possibilities of culinary delights and creative crafts with the Calabash Long Bottle Gourd in your garden.

How to Grow Calabash Long Bottle Gourd

This vine puts on vigorous growth with white flowers. The Calabash Long Bottle Gourd needs a long, warm growing season. Prepare fertile, well draining soil, and sow seeds from late spring to early summer (always wait until after the last frost of the year). Plant in a warm, sunny location. For hill planting, form soil into mounds spaced 4 to 6 feet apart. Maintain 4 to 6 feet between each row. When making your mounds, form them with a 1 foot diameter and a height of 3 or 4 inches. Plant 3 seeds on each mound. For traditional row planting also keep the plants at least 4 feet apart within a row, with the rows 6 feet apart. Keep soil moist and fertilize as needed. A good trellis is the best solution to give better air circulation and straighter fruit, making a healthier and easier harvest. The vines can grow on the ground, but leave extra room to allow the plant to fully grow. This variety of gourd may need hand pollinating.

Harvesting Calabash Long Bottle Gourd

Calabash long bottle gourds are ready to eat when 14 and 24 inches long at about 60-75 days. The flesh will still be tender enough to pierce with a fingernail when ready to harvest for eating. The gourd can be left to fully mature, dry, and harden. Expect it to be fully mature at about 100 days.

Culinary Tips

The immature fruit can be eaten raw, or cooked by steaming, roasting, stir-fry, or used in other types of recipes. The seeds can also be dried, roasted and eaten.