Martinhouse Gourd
Best choice for crafters and gardeners looking to grow decorative gourds.
The Martinhouse Gourd is an open-pollinated annual variety, perfect for crafting and decorative projects. These sprawling vines produce large, white flowers and develop into pear-shaped fruits with smooth, tan skin, reaching up to 10 inches wide and 15 inches tall. Maturing in approximately 100 days, this gourd thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Attracting bees is beneficial for successful fruit development, making it a fun and rewarding addition to any garden, especially when trellised.
$10.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3137
/ 5886
#3137 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+3%
Above average
Botanical Name
Lagenaria siceraria
/ Lagenaria siceraria
Who it's for
- Bird enthusiasts looking to support local Purple Martin populations
- Gardeners seeking productive vines for rewarding craft projects
- Crafters needing durable, weather-resistant materials for outdoor decor
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers wanting immediate results for their craft projects
- Urban gardeners with limited space or weak trellis structures
- Busy gardeners unable to monitor for squash bugs and borers
Performance breakdown
Crafting Versatility
The classic pear shape provides an ideal canvas for artistic projects.
Pollinator Appeal
Large white blooms act as a magnet for essential garden bees.
Trellis Compatibility
Vigorous vining habit makes vertical gardening both practical and visually striking.
Seed Saving Potential
Open-pollinated genetics allow gardeners to harvest seeds for future seasons.
Germination Reliability
Consistent seventy-five percent minimum rate ensures a dependable start for growers.
Growth Cycle Efficiency
One hundred days to maturity requires a long, warm growing season.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Lagenaria siceraria
Days to Maturity
100 days
Seed Viability
3 years
Minimum Germination Rate
75%
Seed Depth
1 inch
Soil Temperature for Germination
65–85°F
Fruit Size
Up to 10 inches wide and 15 inches tall
Seed Count
Approximately 8 seeds per gram
Features
- Excellent for crafting and decorative uses
- Produces large, attractive white flowers
- Vining plants are fun to trellis
- Open Pollinated variety allows for seed saving
- Smooth, tan skin when mature
- Pear-shaped fruit
- Requires Full Sun
- Attracts pollinators
What customers say
Martinhouse Gourd seeds are consistently praised for their exceptional reliability and robust quality. Reviewers report high germination rates, leading to a successful growing season. The gourds themselves grow large and thick walled, perfect for crafting durable birdhouses. This dependable performance makes them a favorite for gardeners and bird enthusiasts who value predictable, high quality results for their projects. Expect successful growth and sturdy gourds ideal for crafting.
Know before you buy
Yes, these are vining plants that thrive when trellised. Using a sturdy trellis allows the gourds to grow vertically, which saves ground space and helps the fruit develop a uniform shape.
Martinhouse Gourds typically take about 100 days to reach full maturity. It is best to plant them in the spring once the soil has warmed to at least 65°F to ensure they have enough time to ripen before the first frost.
Absolutely. They are specifically prized for their smooth, tan skin and classic pear shape, making them an excellent choice for painting, carving, or creating decorative birdhouses.
These gourds rely on pollinators to set fruit, so planting them near other flowers that attract bees is very helpful. Providing full sun and well-draining soil will also give the plants the energy they need to produce their large, white flowers and subsequent fruit.
Yes, because this is an open-pollinated variety, you can successfully save the seeds from your mature gourds. Just ensure the fruit is fully ripened and dried before extracting and storing the seeds.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$11