Can You Plant the Seeds Inside of Dried Gourds?
Seeds collected from ornamental dried gourd varieties, which includes hard-shell gourds (Lagenaria spp.), can grow into new plants the following season. Although the seeds are usually viable when you harvest them, you need to handle, store and plant them in the right way. Gourd seeds may not always produce gourds exactly like the fruit they are harvested from because gourds readily cross-pollinate with other varieties grown nearby.
Properly dried gourds usually contain viable seeds. Gourds require prompt surface cleaning with a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach to prevent mold and mildew growth. You then dry the gourds in a cool, dark place for up to six months, or until the rinds harden and the seeds rattle inside. You can remove the seeds for storage or planting once the gourds dry completely. With careful cutting, you can save the rind for decorative or crafting purposes.
If you aren't planting immediately, the seeds require proper storage or they may rot, mold or sprout prematurely. Only plump, healthy seeds will eventually germinate. Those that are cracked, moldy or appear shrunken and withered won't grow and you should discard them. Keep the seeds in an envelope in a cool, dry place. If moisture is a concern, place the gourd seeds in a sealed jar with a silica gel packet. The jar keeps moisture out and the silica absorbs any moisture remaining in the jar. Most saved seeds remain viable for two years or longer, although the best sprouting rate occurs in the spring after harvest.
Whether you have just harvested the seeds or have stored them for a year or more, checking the viability of the seeds helps guide you in how many seeds you must plant for the desired crop size. Sandwich five saved gourd seeds between two wet paper towels, then seal the towels in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm 70 to 75 degree Fahrenheit area for seven to 14 days then check the seeds for germination. If all the seeds sprout, your saved seeds are completely viable. If only half sprout, you may need to plant twice as many seeds to get the desired number of plants.
Planting and Care
Gourd seeds require preparation to sprout well in soil. Clip off the tip of the seed shell with nail clippers to reveal the lighter colored seed inside. Soak the clipped seeds in lukewarm water overnight before planting. You can start the seeds indoors in small pots four weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sow them directly in the garden. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and space garden-sown seeds at least two feet apart in rows. Keep the soil moist, providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week, and weed the garden bed regularly until the gourd vines shade out the soil. Many gourds require 120 days to reach maturity so they are ready for harvest in fall.
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.