{"product_id":"martinhouse-bottle-gourd-20-seeds-calabash-large-heirloom-gourd-for-birdhouses-crafts-decorative-gardening","title":"Martinhouse Bottle Gourd 20 Seeds – Calabash | Large Heirloom Gourd for Birdhouses, Crafts \u0026 Decorative Gardening","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"content-toggle-product-details-read-more\" class=\"wt-content-toggle__body wt-content-toggle__body--truncated wt-content-toggle__body--truncated-02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n        \u003cp data-product-details-description-text-content=\"\" class=\"wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word\"\u003e\n            Introduction\u003cbr\u003eThe Martinhouse Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a traditional heirloom variety long grown for its unique utility and charm. Producing large, bottle-shaped gourds with hard shells, this plant has been used for centuries to craft birdhouses, utensils, and decorative art. When dried and cured, the gourds make excellent homes for purple martins and other cavity-nesting birds, while the vigorous vines bring a lush, ornamental look to gardens and trellises.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Sowing Instructions\u003cbr\u003eSow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed to at least 70°F. For faster germination, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and space 3–4 feet apart in rows, or plant near a sturdy trellis or support. Germination typically takes 7–14 days. In cooler climates, seeds may be started indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted carefully.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant Care Instructions\u003cbr\u003eBottle gourds thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to support vigorous vine and fruit growth, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Provide plenty of space or strong vertical supports, as vines can spread widely. Allow gourds to fully mature and dry on the vine; once the skin hardens and turns tan, harvest and cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area until shells are firm. Properly cured gourds will last for years and can be crafted into birdhouses or decorative items.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShipping Policy\u003cbr\u003eWe ship all orders with USPS Ground Advantage by default. If you’d like your order to arrive faster, you can upgrade to USPS Priority Mail at checkout for an extra charge. We also offer free shipping on orders over $35. This will ship with USPS Ground Advantage by default, but if you’d like faster shipping, please contact us before placing your order so we can adjust it with a small extra fee. If you ever have questions about shipping or upgrades, just send us a message — we’re happy to help!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTags (Names in Different Languages)\u003cbr\u003eCalabaza de botella, 葫芦, ひょうたん, 박, Bầu hồ lô, น้ำเต้า\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n    \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Velldonetradellc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43682093531225,"sku":"LTZ3RTV","price":1.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/7744\/9049\/files\/Output_270.jpg?v=1784279382","url":"https:\/\/velldonetradellc.com\/products\/martinhouse-bottle-gourd-20-seeds-calabash-large-heirloom-gourd-for-birdhouses-crafts-decorative-gardening","provider":"Velldonetradellc","version":"1.0","type":"link"}