'Caveman's Club' gourd mix
description
An Ornamental Gourd with a Prehistoric Look
Gourd seeds 'Caveman's Club' (Lagenaria siceraria), offered by the seed company OSC.
The 'Caveman's Club' gourd is an impressive ornamental variety, recognizable by its elongated club shape , reminiscent of a primitive weapon. As it dries, its bark becomes hard and woody , giving it the strength it needs for crafts and decoration. It can grow to about 45 cm long , but in climates with extended growing seasons, it can reach up to 1 meter !
Perfect for growing on trellises to obtain neater, better-formed fruits, this gourd is also a great option for gardeners looking for original and easy-to-grow plants.
Spread : 2-3 m
Plant height : 15-30 cm
Companion plants : Corn, climbing beans, nasturtiums
Enemy plants : Other squashes too close (risk of competition)
Cultivation method:
Sow directly into the open ground from late May to June , when the soil is well warmed. Plant 2.5 cm deep , in groups of 4 to 6 seeds per mound spaced 2.4 m apart. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin out to 3 plants per mound .
For a quicker start , start seeds indoors 3 weeks before the last frost . Use biodegradable pots to avoid transplant shock, as squash do not like to be disturbed when planting.
This plant needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 . Before planting, amend generously with compost to ensure vigorous growth. Germination takes 7 to 10 days .
Harvesting and drying:
The fruits mature after about 95 days . Harvest them when their skin becomes firm and resistant to pressure . Handle them carefully to avoid shock, which can cause spots and accelerate rot.
After harvesting, wash the fruit gently and let it dry in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place. Turn it regularly to ensure even drying. A well-dried fruit will let the seeds inside it tinkle when shaken.
Use and special features:
The 'Caveman's Club' gourd is highly prized for its craft and decorative applications . Once dried, it can be carved, painted or varnished, and transformed into various objects:
- Rustic decor : Ideal for natural creations, it can be simply waxed for a driftwood effect.
- Lamps and lanterns : By digging patterns and inserting a light source, it becomes an original light fixture.
- Musical Instruments : Once hollowed out and dried, it can be used to make maracas or other traditional instruments.
- Artistic accessories : Painted with ethnic patterns or engraved with a pyrographer, it becomes a unique piece of art.
A wax glaze can be applied to better preserve its surface and enhance its natural appearance. This variety is perfect for curious gardeners and craft enthusiasts , offering a prehistoric and original touch to the garden as well as to the home.
