Ornamental Gourd Mixes

[bluelacedredhead]

I have a package of Ornamental Gourds. Nothing wild or weird, just a few spinners; yellow pear; egg gourd; and some green stripey types...It was all I could get at the time.
Plus I have Cypriot Long Bottle Gourds, African Long Gourds and Egg Gourds (from Johno)

I'm trying to start the Cypriot Bottle Gourds in a 5 gallon container.

But what about these little ornamental types? Anyone start them early?? Or just direct seed??

There's only 11 seeds in the packet. It's not like I'd be overrun by gourd vines were I to start them a bit early.

But is it necessary?? Are they as fussy as say, melons or squash when it comes to transplanting??

Next year I'd like to try some edible gourds. But for now I think I might just stay with these and see if I can sell them.

[lavandulagirl]

Blue - I've only ever direct seeded gourds - sometimes unintentionally! Many of my gourd and squash plants were born in my cold compost, actually. Of course, I've never had as short a season as you do up there, either. Where will you sell your ornamentals? Do you just sell them as is, or do you do crafty things with the dried gourds?

[bluelacedredhead]

Naw, nothing crafty. I was just going to grow some in case I decide to put up a stand at the farmgate.

[mbrown]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is ornamental about the gourds? Is it the gourds after harvest or the plant as it is growing and producing.

The only gourds I have seen growing were wild and not attractive.

Mike

[lavandulagirl]

I always assumed they were called ornamental because they were not considered edible. I actually like the way a lot of the plants look, too, although I try not to brush up against the leaves, because I think they smell awful. (I'm talking things like birdhouse gourds, here) We use the ornamentals for fall decoration around the house, and we use some (again, like birdhouse gourds) for yard ornaments. The kids make wren houses every year.