Gourd Speckled Swan - Ontario Seed Company

Lagenaria siceraria

This variety of gourd, which resembles a swan with its neck bent downward, is green with cream coloured speckles. You can dry these inedible gourds for use in crafts. Gourds are hot weather vining crops and are therefore killed by frost. For larger gourds, leave only one fruit per vine to mature

Growing Instructions:

Before planting, work in lots of compost. Gourds need rich, well-drained organic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Sow directly outdoors from late-May to June. Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in hills 2.4m (8ft) apart. Sow 8 seeds per hill for the germination period, then thin to the 4 strongest plants. Harvest before first frost. 

Harvesting Instructions:

Cut ripe fruit from the vine when it becomes firm and no longer yields to have pressure. Be careful not to bruise the fruit as this encourages rot. Wash the fruit and store it in a warm dry place turning the fruit occasionally to promote even drying. When drying is complete, seeds inside should rattle when the gourd is shaken. The skin can be glazed with floor wax to help preserve it.