Bottle gourd 'Birdhouse'

Keep in mind when planting that Birdhouse is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.

Nick seed and soak in warm water for 24 hours before planting.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 7.02 inches (18.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.58 inches (1.5 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Birdhouse is a tender plant.

Wait until the entire vine is dried up and brown to pick the gourds. It can take months for them to dry properly, so make sure they are in a warm, well ventilated area, and are turned regularly. Don’t cut or paint them until they’re completely dry (the seeds will rattle around inside).

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by late autumn.

it can be hallowed out and used as a birdhouse.

Bird House Gourd,

Bottle gourd, Calabash, Hard shelled gourd, Kalbas, Moraka, Segwana, Iselwa