Dipper Gourd Seeds - Long Handle - Lagenaria siceraria

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - The Dipper Gourd grows as a warm-season annual in all zones with a sufficiently long growing season. It is a heat-loving plant that requires a full summer to mature.

Best performance in Zones 5-10 where long, hot summers provide the ideal 120+ day growing season required for the gourds to mature fully on the vine for drying and crafting purposes.

Northern Zones (2-5) - The very long growing season requirement (120-150 days) makes it essential to start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Use season extension techniques like row covers to protect young plants and maximize the season.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11) - Plant seeds directly in the garden in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is thoroughly warm. These zones provide the ample heat and long season needed for a bountiful harvest.

Soil Temperature - Requires very warm soil to germinate. The optimal soil temperature is between 70-95 degrees F. Do not plant in cool soil, as seeds will rot.

Growing Season - Requires a long, frost-free growing season of at least 120-150 days for gourds to reach full maturity for hardshell curing. Immature gourds will not dry properly.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
In short-season climates (Zones 2-5), start seeds indoors in peat pots 3-4 weeks before your last frost date to get a head start. In all other zones, direct sow seeds outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and the soil is consistently warm (at least 70 degrees F).

Where to Plant:
Full sun is a must. Dipper Gourds need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also need a very strong, sturdy support system like a robust trellis, arbor, or fence to climb on. The vines and gourds become very heavy. Plant them in rich, fertile, well-drained soil.

How to Plant:

Seed Prep: Gourd seeds have a tough coat. To improve germination, you can gently scarify the edge of the seed with a file or soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting.

Sowing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep. If growing on a trellis, space them 2 feet apart. If allowing them to sprawl on the ground, plant them in hills spaced 4-5 feet apart, with 2-3 seeds per hill. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill.

Transplanting: If started indoors, be very careful not to disturb the roots when transplanting.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Gourds are thirsty plants. Water deeply and regularly, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.

Fertilizing: These are heavy feeders. Amend the soil with plenty of compost before planting. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.

Pollination: The white flowers open at night. You can hand-pollinate to ensure a good fruit set by transferring pollen from a male flower (straight stem) to a female flower (swollen base resembling a tiny gourd) with a small brush.

Harvesting & Curing: This is the most critical step for crafting. Leave the gourds on the vine for as long as possible. Harvest in the fall after the vine has started to die back, but before the first hard frost. Cut the gourds from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached. Wash the surface with a mild bleach solution to remove dirt and inhibit mold. Place the gourds in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location (like a shed or garage) on a screen or rack. Let them cure for several months. They are fully cured when they feel lightweight, are hard and woody, and you can hear the seeds rattling inside.