Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Birdhouse Gourd

Vine

Lagenaria siceraria

Overview
Birdhouse Gourd is a charming heirloom vine variety that produces distinctive gourd-shaped fruits resembling small birdhouses, typically ready in 125 days. The hard-shelled gourds mature with ornamental light tan or cream-colored skin, ideal for drying and decoration. Young immature fruits can be eaten as summer squash, though the plant is primarily grown as an ornamental rather than for food production. Vigorous vines require full sun and rich, well-drained soil, making them excellent for trellising or sprawling along garden beds.
Planting
Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 65°F. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting. Requires very strong support structure.
Growing
Sun: full. Water: high. Soil pH: 6–7.5. Space plants 48" apart. Germination: 10-21.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers. Common diseases: Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew.