Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Bottle or Birdhouse

Squash

Lagenaria siceraria

Overview
Bottle or Birdhouse squash is an heirloom decorative variety prized for its distinctive bulbous, bottle-shaped fruits with narrow necks resembling miniature gourds. Maturing in approximately 125 days, it produces tan or cream-colored gourds that are primarily ornamental, though the flesh is technically edible when young. The defining feature is its dramatic, whimsical form that makes it popular for fall decorations and dried arrangements rather than culinary use.
Planting
Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost
Growing
Sun: full. Water: high. Soil: Well-draining, fertile loam with good organic matter. Space plants 36" apart. Germination: 7-10 days.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, squash bugs. Common diseases: Powdery mildew, squash vine blight, downy mildew.