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Martinhouse Bottle Gourd Seeds

Scientific name Lagenaria siceraria

About this variety

Martinhouse Bottle produces large gourds with rounded bases and broad, unpinched necks, well suited to birdhouse and vessel projects. Mature fruits can approach ten inches across and fifteen inches tall, with shells that dry to a smooth tan. Train the vigorous vines onto strong supports for straighter necks and cleaner fruit. Allow a full warm season for ripening,...

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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: GD16
$200 USD

At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

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15 minimum seeds per packet
Germination time

5-13 days at 75-85 F seed-zone soil temperature

  • Germination
    5-13 daysa seed-zone soil temperature of 75-85 F
  • Sun
    Full sun
  • Support and spacing
    Trellis recommended · space 36 in · rows 72 in
  • Growth habit
    Vining or climbing · Annual
  • Planting season
    Late Spring · blooms Summer · Tender
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Garden tools

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Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

Variety field guide

What to expect from Martinhouse Bottle Gourd Seeds

Martinhouse Bottle produces large gourds with rounded bases and broad, unpinched necks, well suited to birdhouse and vessel projects.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

Martinhouse Bottle produces large gourds with rounded bases and broad, unpinched necks, well suited to birdhouse and vessel projects. Mature fruits can approach ten inches across and fifteen inches tall, with shells that dry to a smooth tan. Train the vigorous vines onto strong supports for straighter necks and cleaner fruit. Allow a full warm season for ripening, then take time to cure the shells thoroughly before cutting, painting or hanging your finished work.

A garden-grown shell for birdhouses and creative crafts.

Growing facts

  • Botanical name: Lagenaria siceraria
  • Maturity or display: 90-110 days to mature gourds; curing takes longer
  • Mature size: Fruit approximately 10 in across and 15 in tall; long climbing vines
  • Spacing: 36 in between plants; rows 72 in

About the variety

Martinhouse is a selected birdhouse-gourd form with a larger, less constricted neck. Bottle gourds have a long history as vessels and utensils; in the eastern United States, dried gourds have also been used to house purple martins.

Starting seed

Sow 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 and a strong trellis; water deeply in dry weather.

Care through the season

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.

Harvest and use

Harvest hard, mature gourds with stems attached. Cure in an airy, dry place until light and seeds rattle; allow several months. Shape only fully cured shells.

Saving seed

Gourds 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.

Common problems

Watch 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.

Frequently asked questions

When should I harvest?

Harvest hard, mature gourds with stems attached. Cure in an airy, dry place until light and seeds rattle; allow several months. Shape only fully cured shells.

Can I save seed?

Gourds 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.

How much space is needed?

36 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.

Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Martinhouse Bottle Gourd Seeds fit your garden?

Check vine space, warmth, pollination, water, support, and harvest use. Start with the essentials, then open only the detail groups that matter to you.

Rules-based · no AI · optional answers

Add an optional ZIP code and planting date for a broad frost-window check.Use local forecasts and measured soil temperature for final planting decisions.
1Essential fitTiming, light, and space
2Temperature and exposureOptional microclimate detail
3Soil, drainage, and waterRoot-zone readiness
4Questions for this vining crop seedCrop-specific decisions
5Seed-starting fit and patienceMatch the propagation work
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsHigh
LightFull sun

Laboratory report interpreter

Soil readiness for Martinhouse Bottle Gourd Seeds

Lagenaria siceraria

Enter only the values your report provides. The result compares them with this crop’s recorded needs and keeps laboratory recommendations authoritative.

Core report valuesStart here
Advanced laboratory valuesOptional method-aware detail

Full growing record

Complete growing and seedkeeping record

Starting and plantingSeed preparation, sowing, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early establishment
Sow 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 and a strong trellis; water deeply in dry weather.

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.
Season-long growing guideWater, fertility, support, weather response, pollination, containers, and care through maturity
Sow 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 and a strong trellis; water deeply in dry weather.
Harvest, storage, and usesRecognizing maturity, harvesting cleanly, handling and storage, kitchen uses, and garden roles

Harvest and storage

Harvest hard, mature gourds with stems attached. Cure in an airy, dry place until light and seeds rattle; allow several months. Shape only fully cured shells.

Gourds 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.

Uses and garden roles

Martinhouse Bottle produces large gourds with rounded bases and broad, unpinched necks, well suited to birdhouse and vessel projects. Mature fruits can approach ten inches across and fifteen inches tall, with shells that dry to a smooth tan. Train the vigorous vines onto strong supports for straighter necks and cleaner fruit. Allow a full warm season for ripening, then take time to cure the shells thoroughly before cutting, painting or hanging your finished work.

Harvest hard, mature gourds with stems attached. Cure in an airy, dry place until light and seeds rattle; allow several months. Shape only fully cured shells.
Seed savingSelection, pollination, isolation, full maturity, cleaning, drying, labeling, and storage
Gourds 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.
Pests, diseases, and troubleshootingPrevention, diagnosis, environmental disorders, common damage, and first-response checks
Watch 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.
Frequently asked questionsDecision-focused answers that supplement the detailed guides above
When should I harvest?
Harvest hard, mature gourds with stems attached. Cure in an airy, dry place until light and seeds rattle; allow several months. Shape only fully cured shells.

Can I save seed?
Gourds 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.

How much space is needed?
36 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.
History and provenanceBotanical identity, cultivar history, regional or cultural context, uncertainty, and source records

Scientific name: Lagenaria siceraria

Martinhouse is a selected birdhouse-gourd form with a larger, less constricted neck. Bottle gourds have a long history as vessels and utensils; in the eastern United States, dried gourds have also been used to house purple martins.

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