Ornamental gourd Small Fruited Mix Seeds - Cucurbita pepo

Small-fruited ornamental gourd are annual climbing or trailing vines. These small gourds are cultivated for decorative purposes because, no matter how pretty their original shapes and vibrant combinations of colours are, they are not edible. Their bitter flesh is used in phytotherapy for some of their medicinal properties but is toxic when eaten directly.

Cucurbita pepo, in Latin, belongs to the large family Cucurbitaceae. Like all pumpkins and squashes, gourds like rich, moist soil. So, do not hesitate to provide them with plenty of water and well-decomposed garden compost or manure so that they can grow to their full potential and produce many fruits.

Most varieties are climbing. Their supple branches are equipped with tendrils that will cling to the frame that you have provided them with so that their fruit will be as well-exposed as possible to the sun. If they do not have a frame, they trail and spread along the ground. Choose a warm and sunny position for them.

Harvested in September-October, before the first frosts, the fruit must be cut down with part of its stalk. Stored in a warm and dry place, the flesh will dry out in a few weeks. In this way, the mummified fruit can be used for home decoration. The growing and harvesting of these abundant, colourful mini pumpkins is a great opportunity to introduce children to gardening.