Anyone Grow Gourds?

[typonaut]

I recently became aware of gourd art. I've been googling, there's a world of it. I'm going to order some seeds, but I'm wondering if Iowa has a long enough growing season.

Gourds need to be planted after the last frost and harvested before the first, and they need to dry on the vine for a while before harvesting.

It's also good if they can be kept warm while drying for some months, which won't happen here. I want to try it, though.

Anyone have experience or suggestions?  :?:  :?

[byrooon]

I've grown gourds successfully here in Northern Ohio, Zone 5. Gourds are cool. Unfortunately I don't have the room at the moment to grow any

bp

[typonaut]

Hey Byroon, thanks for replying. Did you dry your gourds indoors?

I just emailed an order for seeds to Turtlefeathers.com. I'm going to try Corsican and Cannonball gourds, and Curly Dipper gourds if they have them.

Too bad about no room. Lots of room here (outdoors) but water has to be carried. I'm wondering how far apart I need to plant the different varieties so they don't cross.

It sounds like hand-pollination is easy.

[byrooon]

yeah, just dry them indoors... nothing special needed... good luck with them... perhaps you can post pics of your gourd artwork if you do such a thing... or just pics of the gourds themselves!

bp

[Ashoka]

What kind of gourds are used for Yerba maté cups? I'd be cool to grow ones own yerba cup..