{"product_id":"gourd-martinhouse-bottle","title":"Gourd Seeds - Martinhouse Bottle","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aonsk-product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartinhouse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eA garden-grown shell for birdhouses and creative crafts.\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 90-110 days to mature gourds; curing takes longer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruit approximately 10 in across and 15 in tall; long climbing 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\u003eMartinhouse 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.\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 and a strong trellis; water deeply in dry weather.\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 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.\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\u003eHarvest 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.\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":52508651520302,"sku":"GD16","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com\/products\/gourd-martinhouse-bottle","provider":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}