{"product_id":"gourd-apple-small","title":"Gourd Seeds - Apple Small","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aonsk-product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple Small brings an orchard-like shape to the gourd patch, producing small, rounded fruits for autumn arrangements and handmade decorations. The fresh gourds are dark green, and their compact size makes them useful in wreaths, baskets and painted projects. Vigorous vines appreciate a strong trellis, which keeps the developing fruit cleaner and easier to find. Let the shells ripen fully before harvest, then cure them patiently with plenty of moving air for the best keeping quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSmall apple shapes for a harvest of creative possibilities.\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 Cucurbita pepo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity or display:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100-120 days to mature gourds; curing takes longer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small apple-shaped fruit; vines spread about 6-10 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24 in between plants; rows 72 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the variety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple Small is an ornamental gourd selected for its apple-like form. Like other decorative Cucurbita pepo gourds, its value lies in the mature fruit's shape and shell, which extend the garden's harvest into seasonal displays and craftwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStarting seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow 1 in. deep after frost in warm soil; sprouts in 7-14 days at 75-90 F. Space 24 in.; rows 72 in. Give full sun, regular water and room to vine or a strong trellis.\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\u003eHarvest when stems brown and shells harden, leaving a short stem. Cure in a dry, airy place; discard soft fruit. Ornamental only. Isolate other C. pepo for seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSaving seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGourds cross with other varieties of the same species. Isolate flowering Cucurbita pepo 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\u003eHarvest when stems brown and shells harden, leaving a short stem. Cure in a dry, airy place; discard soft fruit. Ornamental only. Isolate other C. pepo for seed.\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 Cucurbita pepo 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\u003e24 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":52508651258158,"sku":"GD13","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com\/products\/gourd-apple-small","provider":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}