Gourd Small Warted Seeds

Cucurbita pepo

Small Warted is an ornamental Gourd producing an entertaining assortment of small fruits covered in distinctive bumps, knobs and warty growths. Fruits develop in a variety of shapes and colours, making each harvest a little different and particularly useful for decorative displays.

These traditional ornamental gourds have been selected for their unusual forms rather than eating quality. Once mature, the colourful fruits are excellent for autumn displays, table decorations, craft projects and dried arrangements. Their small size makes them particularly easy to work with and display.

Plants are vigorous annual vines with a sprawling habit similar to pumpkins and squash. They can be grown along the ground or trained over a sturdy trellis or fence, where the developing gourds create an attractive display amongst the foliage.

For the best range of shapes and colours, allow several plants to grow if space permits. Fruits intended for decoration should be left on the vine until fully mature and the rind has hardened.

Approximately 13 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring after frost to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil after frost, approximately 20–30 mm deep, or raise in pots and transplant once conditions have warmed.

Space plants approximately 80–120 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Allow plenty of room for vines to spread or provide a sturdy trellis or fence for climbing.

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. For ornamental use, leave fruits on the vine until fully mature and the stems begin to dry. Harvest with a section of stem attached, then cure in a dry, well-ventilated position before using or storing.

If saving seed, Small Warted can cross-pollinate with other Cucurbita pepo varieties, including many zucchini, squash, pumpkins and ornamental gourds, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.