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Apple Small Gourd is a charming ornamental gourd that produces dark green, apple-shaped fruits perfect for decoration and crafting. These hardy annuals grow on vigorous vines across hardiness zones 3 through 11, reaching maturity in 100 to 109 days. The gourds darken to rich brown as they dry, making them prized for seasonal displays, painting projects, and creative autumn arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
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Dark green fruits transform to deep brown during the drying process, creating natural color variation that makes each gourd unique for crafting and decoration. The compact, apple-like shape is instantly recognizable and highly ornamental, while the vigorous vining growth habit produces abundant yields. These gourds thrive in full sun with moderate watering and require just 24 inches of spacing, fitting neatly into most garden plans.
Apple Small Gourds are grown primarily for decoration, painting, and crafting rather than culinary purposes. Their small, distinctive shape and hard exterior make them excellent for autumn displays, hand-painted ornaments, dried arrangements, and seasonal home décor.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost in soil temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors after the last frost date has passed. Transplant into full-sun locations spaced 24 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds into warm soil after all frost danger has passed, planting at the appropriate depth and spacing 24 inches apart for mature vine spread.
Harvest gourds after 100 to 109 days when the skin has hardened and turned from dark green to brown. Cut gourds from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached. For optimal drying and storage, allow gourds to cure in a warm, well-ventilated location for several weeks until the skin becomes hard and the interior dries completely.
No formal pruning is necessary for Apple Small Gourds. Allow vines to spread naturally across the garden bed or trellis, removing only damaged or diseased foliage as needed.
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