{"product_id":"gourd-nam-tao-yao","title":"Gourd Seeds - Nam Tao Yao","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"aonsk-product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNam Tao Yao is an edible bottle gourd grown for tender, green fruits with mild, slightly sweet flesh. Pick the young gourds before their skins harden, then peel and cook them in soups, stir-fries or with other vegetables. The vigorous climbing vines benefit from a sturdy trellis and regular picking, keeping fruit accessible as it develops. This warm-season hybrid offers a different kitchen harvest from decorative gourds, whose mature shells are grown mainly for crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePick young and tender for a versatile summer vegetable.\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 65-70 days after transplanting to young edible fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest young fruit at 12-14 in long and about 4 in across; long climbing vines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36 in between plants; rows 48 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the variety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEdible bottle gourds are a longstanding part of Asian cooking, where young fruits are harvested before the shell hardens. Nam Tao Yao is a modern hybrid of that crop, selected for productive vines and tender fruit rather than for a particular craft shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStarting seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart 3-4 weeks before setting out after frost. Sow 1\/2 in. deep at 75-85 F; sprouts in 5-13 days. Space 36 in.; rows 48 in. Give full sun, water and 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\u003ePick at 12-14 in. while skin is tender; peel and cook. Discard bitter fruit. F1 hybrid: saved seed will vary. Mature, hardened gourds are for crafts, not meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSaving seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis F1 hybrid does not breed true from saved seed. Its offspring can vary in fruit form and other traits; use fresh F1 seed when uniform results are needed.\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\u003ePick at 12-14 in. while skin is tender; peel and cook. Discard bitter fruit. F1 hybrid: saved seed will vary. Mature, hardened gourds are for crafts, not meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I save seed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis F1 hybrid does not breed true from saved seed. Its offspring can vary in fruit form and other traits; use fresh F1 seed when uniform results are needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much space is needed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36 in between plants; rows 48 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":52508651421998,"sku":"GD17","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com\/products\/gourd-nam-tao-yao","provider":"Alliance of Native Seedkeepers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}