{"title":"Lagenaria siceraria","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e — bottle gourd\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e is the botanical name for the bottle gourd or calabash, a vigorous climbing member of the squash family (Cucurbitaceae) grown for both edible young fruits and hard-shelled ornamental gourds. It sits within our wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gourds-squash\"\u003egourds \u0026amp; squash\u003c\/a\u003e range and is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bottle gourd has an extraordinary history: native to Africa, it spread across the world in prehistoric times — reaching Asia and the Americas thousands of years ago — valued not as food but as a ready-made container, float and musical instrument once dried. It remains a staple vegetable in Asian and African cooking, where the young fruits (such as cucuzzi and opo) are eaten like courgettes, while mature shells are still made into bottles, bowls and birdhouses. The genus name \u003cem\u003eLagenaria\u003c\/em\u003e comes from the Latin for a flask, and \u003cem\u003esiceraria\u003c\/em\u003e relates to its use as a drinking vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBotanical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a fast, sprawling annual vine with large, soft, felted leaves, white flowers that open in the evening (unlike the yellow daytime flowers of true squashes), and fruits of astonishing variety — long snake-like cucuzzi, rounded calabashes, slim-necked bottle and birdhouse shapes, and swan-necked ornamentals. Young fruits are tender and pale-fleshed; left to ripen and dry, the shells turn hard, woody and waterproof. As a strong climber it is happiest scrambling up a sturdy support.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Lagenaria siceraria from seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottle gourds are tender and need warmth and a long season. Start seed under cover in spring, plant out after the last frost into rich, well-fed soil in full sun, and give the vigorous vines a strong trellis or arch — trained upward, the fruits hang straight and clean. Keep them fed and watered through summer. Pick young for eating, or leave fruits on the vine to ripen fully for drying. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-vegetables-the-complete-beginner-friendly-guide-with-pro-tips\"\u003evegetable growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the basics, and the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/vegetable-sowing-calendar\"\u003evegetable sowing calendar\u003c\/a\u003e shows the windows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady to grow edible gourds or your own dried calabashes? Browse the varieties below.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gourds-squash\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#66971d;color:#ffffff;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBrowse gourds \u0026amp; squash\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-vegetables-the-complete-beginner-friendly-guide-with-pro-tips\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#3f6312;border:1.5px solid #9cc35f;padding:10.5px 21px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eVegetable growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated categories:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gourds-squash\"\u003eGourds \u0026amp; Squash\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cucumber\"\u003eCucumber\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/container-friendly-vegetables\"\u003eContainer-Friendly Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/direct-sow-vegetables\"\u003eDirect Sow Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vegetables\"\u003eAll Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eSeedsChoice\u003c\/a\u003e, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"speckled-swan-gourd-seeds-lagenaria-siceraria","title":"Speckled Swan Gourd Seeds Lagenaria Siceraria Annual Ornamental","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSpeckled Swan gourd for striking garden displays\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003especkled swan gourd seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce an annual ornamental climber valued for its distinctive, swan-like fruit shape and bold colouring. The gourds develop a deep green base with lighter green speckling, creating a standout look on the vine and after harvest. This variety is widely sought as ornamental bottle gourd seeds for decorative use, especially where unusual forms and patterned skins are desired. \u003cbr\u003ePlease note: the fruits are intended for decoration and crafts only and are not edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant habit, colour, and decorative uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanically classified as \u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e, this is a vigorous climbing gourd vine that can cover supports and add vertical interest to ornamental plantings. The hardening shell makes it a popular choice for decorative gourd for crafts, including dried arrangements and creative projects where durable, sculptural forms are appreciated. As swan neck gourd seeds, it is often chosen for producing gourds with a curved “neck” and a stable, flatter base that can be displayed easily once dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSite preference and seasonal garden interest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best ornamental results, this annual ornamental gourd is typically grown in a bright, open position; speckled swan gourd full sun exposure supports strong growth and good colour development. It is also commonly grown in fertile, well-fed garden soil, where the plant can develop long vines and well-formed gourds. If you are looking for speckled swan gourd craft gourds with a classic speckled pattern and a distinctive silhouette, this variety is a reliable choice for specialty ornamental collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51724668436817,"sku":"SHA-GRO-031154-9","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-GRO-031154-9_1_b05f1b39-3376-4fde-9e7a-2026699b8453.png?v=1778176188"},{"product_id":"birdhouse-bottle-gourd-seeds-lagenaria-siceraria","title":"Birdhouse Bottle Gourd Seeds Lagenaria Siceraria Annual Climber","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBirdhouse gourds for decorative garden projects\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebirdhouse bottle gourd seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a vigorous, climbing annual gourd plant valued for its distinctive, bottle-shaped fruits. This birdhouse gourd variety develops light green gourds with a rounded neck and a fuller, bulb-like base, creating a classic silhouette that stands out on the bottle gourd vine. As an ornamental selection, it is especially popular with gardeners who enjoy growing unusual shapes and textures for seasonal display and creative uses.\u003cbr\u003eThese are \u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e seeds, a well-known type among ornamental gourd seeds for training over supports where the long vines can be showcased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShape, color, and typical craft uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the fruits are allowed to mature and dry, they are commonly used as a craft gourd for drying, including decorative projects such as gourd seeds for birdhouses. The smooth, light green surface and balanced proportions also make the dried shells suitable for painting and other decorative finishes. This specialty ornamental gourd is grown primarily for visual interest and crafting potential, making it a distinctive addition to mixed ornamental plantings and specialty collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing conditions and garden placement notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis full sun gourd vine seeds selection performs best in a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-prepared soil. Given its climbing habit and long vines, it suits trellises, fences, arches, or other sturdy garden supports where the developing gourds can hang freely and form evenly. If you are looking for annual birdhouse bottle gourd seeds with a classic bottle form for decorative harvests, this variety offers an eye-catching, traditional choice for ornamental growing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51739817869649,"sku":"SHA-GRO-031155-8","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-GRO-031155-8_1_4f427547-c213-462a-a3d4-5ddfabddddd9.png?v=1778180737"},{"product_id":"cucuzzi-gourd-seeds-lagenaria-siceraria-italian-snake","title":"Cucuzzi Gourd Seeds Lagenaria Siceraria Annual Italian Snake","description":"\u003ch2\u003eItalian cucuzzi gourd seeds for sunny gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecucuzzi gourd seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce an annual, climbing gourd vine known for its long, light-green fruits and showy white flowers. Often referred to as italian snake gourd seeds, this variety is a distinctive choice for gardeners who enjoy specialty ornamental gourd seeds as well as practical kitchen harvests. The plant is a vigorous, vining type that can be trained to climb, making it suitable for maximizing space in warm, bright locations. Botanical reference: \u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant features, fruit appearance, and use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are typically elongated and pale green with a relatively soft skin when harvested young. In culinary use, the gourd is commonly peeled and sliced or diced for cooking, including adding to soups and other warm dishes; the flavor is often described as more pronounced than standard zucchini-type squash. As long green gourd seeds, this selection is valued for its unusual shape and visual impact in the garden, while still fitting well into a vegetable plot. For best results, choose a bright site; these are full sun gourd seeds suited to fertile, well-prepared soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecialty collection option for vining displays\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChosen by gardeners looking for lagenaria siceraria seeds with an eye-catching habit, this annual cucuzzi gourd seeds selection combines ornamental interest with a traditional Italian-style gourd form. It is also a strong match for those searching for climbing gourd vine seeds or annual gourd plant seeds for trellises, fences, and other supports, where the long fruits can hang cleanly and develop their characteristic shape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51742507073873,"sku":"SHA-GRO-031103-1","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-GRO-031103-1_1_f67dc53a-6550-436d-80a8-36e10f14d862.png?v=1778188324"},{"product_id":"calabash-seeds-lagenaria-siceraria","title":"Calabash Seeds Lagenaria Siceraria Annual Climber Birdhouse Bottle Gourd","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCalabash vine for arches, fences, and trellises\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalabash seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce an annual climbing gourd with vigorous, twining growth that quickly covers supports and creates a bold, leafy display. This variety is known for developing large, bottle shaped gourds that are widely used as an ornamental gourd for crafts, including classic birdhouse-style projects. The plant’s long vines make it a popular choice as a trellis vine gourd plant for sunny garden spaces where vertical interest is wanted.\u003cbr\u003eBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eLagenaria siceraria\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOrnamental gourds with distinctive bottle shaped fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the season progresses, the vine forms firm, decorative fruits that can be dried and used for creative work, making these calabash seeds for birdhouse gourds a favorite for gardeners who enjoy natural materials. You may also see this type offered as bottle gourd seeds or birdhouse gourd seeds, reflecting the characteristic shape and traditional craft uses. Expect a strong annual climbing gourd habit and a dramatic presence when trained over frames, pergolas, or sturdy netting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBest suited to fertile soil and support\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis climber performs best with a stable structure to run across and enough room to extend, reaching up to about 300 cm in height under suitable conditions. A fertile, well-prepared bed supports steady growth and good fruit development. If you are looking for annual calabash gourd seeds for decorative harvests and vertical garden impact, this selection is an excellent fit for warm, sheltered positions with consistent care.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575373590865,"sku":"SHA-BLO-021473-4","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-BLO-021473-4_1_27209a56-3452-46ad-a7d7-60b5b137f992.png?v=1778196614"}],"url":"https:\/\/seedschoice.fr\/collections\/lagenaria-siceraria.oembed","provider":"SeedsChoice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}