Bushel Basket

Family: Cucurbitaceae Ornamental / Edible

Sink your senses into the warm, sunlit aroma and the satisfying, firm bite of Bushel Basket gourd—an heirloom-style showpiece with thick, sturdy flesh that holds its character beautifully.

At maturity, the fruit develops a classic basket-like form with a deep, mellow color and a subtly textured skin that feels substantial in the hand. Grow Bushel Basket for bold, sculptural gourds prized for decorative uses and for creating durable, long-lasting forms.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 DaysHabit: Vine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 2nd
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 16th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bushel Basket is all about that sturdy, thick-fleshed bite—less watery than typical summer squash, so it won’t slacken the way noodles of gourd can. Peel the skin for a cleaner sweetness, then roast or braise until the cubes turn melting-tender but still hold their geometry.

Best Uses

cube it for roasting—edges caramelize while the center stays toothsome
stew with aromatics and then reduce to clingier braising juices
thick slices for grilling or pan-searing to get a browned crust
toss into hearty soups where it holds shape over time

Flavor Profile

firm, dry-ish flesh that stays structured mild, gourd-sweet flavor with a nutty, melon-like aroma subtly tannic skin that benefits from peeling cooks up tender without collapsing into puree

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil smoked paprika fresh thyme balsamic vinegar chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for a Bushel Basket (110-day) crop, and how do I stop it?

Bushel Basket plants (often grown like peppers/solanums) commonly suffer from blossom-end rot caused by irregular calcium uptake—most noticeable on developing fruits as dark, sunken patches. Keep soil moisture even by watering consistently (avoid letting beds dry out then flood), and before fruit sets, mix in compost and, if needed, apply a calcium source labeled for blossom-end rot according to the package. If you see it start, remove affected fruits so the plant can focus energy on new growth.

How often should I water during the main growing phase (around weeks 6–10) to keep Bushel Basket producing?

During the main growth period, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry; this is usually about 1–2 deep waterings per week depending on heat and soil type. Aim for steady moisture to about 6–8 inches deep so the roots don’t swing between drought and saturation. Mulch helps prevent surface drying, which is critical for steady fruit development in a 110-day crop.

How can I tell when my Bushel Basket is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety and reach a firm, mature size—typically starting around day ~100 and finishing by about day 110. Pick in the morning when they’re coolest; if the fruit gives slightly under gentle pressure and the skin looks glossy and evenly colored, it’s ready. Don’t wait for over-softening—leaving ripe fruit too long can slow new fruiting.