Cannon Ball

Family: Cucurbitaceae Ornamental / Edible

Sink your senses into Cannon Ball’s rich, sun-warmed presence—an impressive gourd with a deep, stately silhouette and a velvety, mature skin that holds its character beautifully.

Expect a firm, dense interior and a satisfying, sturdy texture that makes this variety a standout for home gardeners who enjoy growing bold, sculptural produce. Cannon Ball is ideal for decorative and craft uses, and its dependable 100-day rhythm makes it a rewarding centerpiece in the garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 100 DaysHabit: Vine

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 25th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Aug 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cannon Ball’s dense interior turns creamy without collapsing, so it’s a gourd that actually behaves in a stew or roast—not just a watery squash situation. Treat it like a hearty, mildly sweet vegetable: let browning do the heavy lifting, then finish with butter and sharp aromatics for contrast.

Best Uses

thick-cubed braises and stews where the pieces need to hold shape
roasting until edges caramelize and the center turns silky
pureeing into velvety soup with stock and aromatics
quick sauté/steam with butter or olive oil to soften without going watery

Flavor Profile

firm, dense flesh that stays structured when cooked mild, subtly sweet gourd flavor earthy, nutty undertone with a creamy-soft finish when simmered

Kitchen Pairings

garlic onion cumin smoked paprika butter chicken or vegetable stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Lagenaria siceraria (birdhouse/gourd type), and how do I manage it?

Cucurbit powdery mildew and cucumber beetles are among the most common issues on Lagenaria siceraria. Start by spacing plants for airflow and watering only at the base; if mildew shows (white powdery patches on leaves), remove the worst leaves and spray with an appropriate sulfur or potassium-bicarbonate product according to the label. For cucumber beetles, use row cover after sowing until flowering, and use targeted treatments only if populations are high to protect blossoms and young fruits.

How often should I water Lagenaria siceraria during the main growing phase?

During active vine growth and until fruit sets, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the base 1–2 times per week rather than frequent light watering, and reduce slightly as the gourd matures near the end to prevent bland, oversized, or split fruit.

How can I tell when Lagenaria siceraria ‘cannon ball’ gourds are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the rind has fully toughened and the fruit reaches the typical rounded “cannon ball” size for your plants, usually around 90–100 days. Check that the skin is firm and glossy and that stems are starting to dry; use pruners to cut with 1–2 inches of stem to help it cure and store.