When you see the small ornamental gourds piled next to the ruby-red apples, you know fall is in the air. The birdhouse or bottle gourd belongs to the Lagenaria siceraria family. Grown chiefly for show, gourds have tendril-bearing vines that will sprawl unless a support is provided.
Plant gourds once all danger of spring frost is gone.
Sow seeds where they can grow, about two feet apart, because they do not transplant easily. Gourds mature in 120 to 140 days. They are slow starters but grow by leaps and bounds once hot weather sticks around. When plants on the ground reach 10 feet, snip off the ends to promote more branching and more female flowers for more fruits. Select varieties for landscape interest and winter decoration.