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Gourd Seeds

Gourd seeds produce a fascinating array of plants, with fruits of various sizes and shapes - used as food or as ornamentals when dried. These vining plants prefer warm, sunny conditions, with soil that drains well. They are usually trained to climb up trellises, much like cucumbers. Gourds are mostly grown as annuals, known for their vigorous vines and interestingly shaped fruits. Many of them are used as containers, washing sponges, and for other interesting uses.
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Survival Garden Seeds offers several gourd seeds for sale, including the natural sponge-producing luffa seeds and dipper gourd seeds. Chosen for their high germination properties, they produce unique forms.

Growing Gourd Seeds in Your Garden

  • Interesting fruit shapes
  • Thrives in warm and sunny locations
  • Non-GMO, heirloom seeds
  • Vertical gardening and ornamental displays

INTRODUCING GOURD SEEDS

Gourds are a part of the Cucurbitaceae family, together with squashes and cucumbers. They’ve been cultivated for their decorative appeal for a long time, and many can also be grown as edible vegetables. Gourd seeds can yield a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes of fruits. They are used in cooking, or as bowls and sponges when dried, when you grow luffa plants from loofah gourd seeds. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 13, requiring a long, warm growing season for full development.

PLANTING GOURD SEEDS

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks early for a head start on growth, or plant gourd seeds directly outside when the soil is warm in late spring or early summer. Sow them 1 inch deep in hills or rows. Provide them with a sturdy trellis or other support for climbing. Space the plants as indicated on your seed packet. Depending on soil temperature and moisture, gourd seeds will typically germinate within a week or two. Some varieties also benefit from scarification or clipping the tail end to encourage germination.

MAINTAINING GOURD PLANTS

Gourd plants will require a regular watering schedule. Especially during dry days, they need moisture to support rapid growth and large fruit development. To keep the water from evaporating, mulch heavily around the plant, which will suppress the annoying weeds as well. Training the vines on a trellis can prevent fruit rot, and save you space in the garden. Check regularly for pests and diseases. Gourds are susceptible to the same issues as cucumbers and squash.

Try your hand at growing these fulfilling, unusual plants yourself and learn all the benefits of gourds for your homestead. Survival Garden Seeds' gourd seeds provide the start of a new adventure for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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