{"product_id":"gourd-apple-large","title":"Gourd Seeds - Apple Large","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aonsk-product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple Large grows hefty, apple-shaped gourds with mottled green skin and a broad, rounded body. Fruits commonly reach about seven inches tall and six to eight inches wide, making bold autumn decorations and generous surfaces for painting. Give the vines plenty of room and a long, warm season to harden their shells. Once thoroughly cured, these gourds become lasting craft materials, connecting a summer garden with projects that continue long after harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrow an autumn harvest for lasting handmade projects.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lagenaria siceraria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity or display:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 110 days to mature gourds; curing takes longer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruit about 7 in tall and 6-8 in wide; vigorous spreading vines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36 in between plants; rows 72 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the variety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple Large belongs to the hard-shelled bottle-gourd species, grown for generations as containers, utensils and craft materials. Its apple-like form gives a familiar shape to this old tradition of turning a garden harvest into useful objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStarting seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow 1 in. deep after frost in soil at least 70 F. Sprouts in 5-13 days. Space 36 in.; rows 72 in. Use full sun, steady moisture and a sturdy trellis or room to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare through the season\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide fertile, well-drained soil and water deeply during dry spells. Install supports before vines become large. Mulch to limit weeds and fruit contact with wet soil. Remove protective row covers when flowers open so pollinators can reach them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvest and use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut mature, hard-rinded fruit with a short stem attached. Cure with good airflow for several months, until light and seeds rattle. For crafts, not eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSaving seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGourds cross with other varieties of the same species. Isolate flowering Lagenaria siceraria varieties or use controlled hand pollination to preserve the form. Keep fully mature fruit from several healthy plants, extract the mature seed, and dry it thoroughly before cool, dry storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon problems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch seedlings for cucumber beetles and inspect vines for aphids and leaf diseases. Water at soil level and maintain airflow. Poor fruit set may reflect cool weather or inadequate pollination. Discard any gourds that soften or rot during curing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I harvest?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut mature, hard-rinded fruit with a short stem attached. Cure with good airflow for several months, until light and seeds rattle. For crafts, not eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I save seed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGourds cross with other varieties of the same species. Isolate flowering Lagenaria siceraria varieties or use controlled hand pollination to preserve the form. Keep fully mature fruit from several healthy plants, extract the mature seed, and dry it thoroughly before cool, dry storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much space is needed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36 in between plants; rows 72 in. Provide fertile, well-drained soil and water deeply during dry spells. Install supports before vines become large. Mulch to limit weeds and fruit contact with wet soil. Remove protective row covers when flowers open so pollinators can reach them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52508630843694,"sku":"GD12","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com\/products\/gourd-apple-large","provider":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}