Organic 'Bird House Bottle' gourd Seeds

Name: Organic 'Bird House Bottle' gourd Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

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Cucurbitaceae

Gaia

Lagenaria siceraria

Common nameBird House bottle gourd; calabash

FamilyCucurbitaceae

GenusLagenaria

Speciessiceraria

CultivarBird House Bottle

Botanical nameLagenaria siceraria

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 20 seeds

Organic 'Bird House Bottle' gourd Seeds (Lagenaria siceraria). This vigorous annual vine produces bottle-shaped gourds with rounded bases that become durable decorative birdhouses after thorough curing. Fruit generally reaches 10 to 12 inches long. Bird House is an open-pollinated heirloom that attracts pollinators and readily covers a large trellis or fence. The packet contains approximately 20 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Kew recognizes Lagenaria siceraria as the accepted botanical name in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is ideal for gardeners who enjoy useful harvests and creative seasonal projects outdoors. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Start seed indoors three to four weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and maintain the medium at 15 to 30°C, optimally near 23°C; germination generally takes 10 to 20 days. Transplant only after soil is warm and all frost risk has passed. Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart and rows approximately 54 inches apart. Install a very sturdy trellis at planting because vines and developing gourds become heavy during the season. Harden seedlings gradually before moving them into their permanent garden position outdoors. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Grow Bird House in full sun and rich loose soil that remains evenly moist while draining well. Maturity occurs around 90 days. Harvest in late summer when the rind is extremely hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail, or when stems and leaves begin to brown. Cut fruit with approximately 2 inches of stem attached. Cure it for several months in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place until it feels lightweight and the seeds rattle, then clean it before creating a birdhouse. Store finished dry gourds away from persistent moisture.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Warm-season annual
Hardiness: Tender tropical annual

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

13 mm (1/2 in)

Spacing / density

91 to 122 cm (36 to 48 in) between plants and approximately 137 cm (54 in) between rows

Germination temperature

15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F); optimum around 23 °C (73.4 °F).

Germination time

10 to 20 days

Sowing period

Start indoors three to four weeks before the last frost and transplant after soil warms.

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Sow 1/2 inch deep in pots maintained at 15 to 30°C, three to four weeks before the last frost. After germination in 10 to 20 days, move seedlings into bright light. Harden them gradually and transplant into warm soil after all frost risk has passed. Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart, rows about 54 inches apart, and install a very sturdy trellis. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Frost sensitive; harvest fruit before damaging frost

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Maintain even moisture without standing water, especially during flowering and fruit development. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Soil type

Loose soil rich in organic matter, evenly moist, and well drained Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting and provide moderate balanced feeding during growth. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Seasonal care

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Install a sturdy trellis before vines lengthen, guide tendrils, and water at soil level. Mulch after soil warms. Support heavy fruit when needed. In late summer, monitor rind hardening and leave fruit to mature for as long as weather permits before curing. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Container growing

Growing Bird House bottle gourd; calabash in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. In-ground growing recommended; use a very large container of 40 L or more only with support and regular watering. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Large vine; sturdy support required

Width / spread

Approximately 91 to 122 cm (36 to 48 in) when trained

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Large green heart-shaped slightly hairy leaves

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Climbing vine with tendrils

Fruiting

Smooth green gourds becoming pale, brown, and very hard at maturity Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Harvest

Harvest when the rind cannot be dented with a fingernail or when stems and leaves brown. Cut with about 2 inches of stem, then cure for several months until fruit is light and seeds rattle.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests catnip, radish, beans, oregano, chives, marjoram, and leek. No pairing guarantees improved yield; prioritize space and airflow. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating it from potato. This pairing is not an absolute rule; prioritize rotation and spacing.

Garden use

In the garden, place Bird House bottle gourd; calabash according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Train the vine on a fence, pergola, or very sturdy trellis in full sun. Support keeps fruit clean and encourages a regular shape. Flowers attract pollinators, and cured gourds can become decorative garden birdhouses. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Bird House Bottle' gourd seeds are in the packet?

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, the packet information states: Approximately 20 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Bird House Bottle' gourd seeds in Canada?

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, the stated sowing period is Start indoors three to four weeks before the last frost and transplant after soil warms. The recommended method is Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 13 mm (1/2 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Bird House Bottle' gourd seeds take to germinate?

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, the stated germination period is 10 to 20 days, with a germination temperature of 15 to 30°C; optimal near 23°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Bird House Bottle' gourd in the garden?

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 91 to 122 cm (36 to 48 in) between plants and approximately 137 cm (54 in) between rows. For container growing, the product record recommends: the detailed directions in the product record. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Bird House Bottle' gourd?

For Bird House bottle gourd; calabash, the confirmed edible parts are: Flowers, as identified by Gaia; fruit grown primarily for curing and crafts. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.