GOURD: Plant gourds if for no other reason than because they're fun! They come in a delightful, wacky array of shapes, colors, and sizes and are sure to bring a smile when you harvest them. Many will grow up fences and trellises, which makes them even more interesting and dramatic. Speckled Swan Gourd: The resemblance to a swan can be quite amazing. A very useful hard-shelled gourd for art and crafts. A long hot summer is best for this gourd because it needs 115 days to mature. Stunning, ornamental you'll fall in love with! Produces a large-bodied gourd with a slender, arching neck ending in a billed head, perfect for painting as a swan or goose. Sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost in loose, rich soil. Plants need steady water and fertilizer. Glossy green shells speckled with white are pretty as is; for painting, let dry thoroughly and clean off outer skin with sandpaper. If you like the Birdhouse Gourds, then you must grow the Swan gourd! Pick gourds when the vine is dry. Allow the gourd to dry in an airy, warm location. Drying is complete when the seeds rattle inside. Dipper Gourds can grow on a trellis or on the ground.