Apple Gourd

Zone 2a Save Garden

🌱 100d to harvest Vine

Aromatically sweet and delightfully crisp at peak ripeness, Apple Gourd charms with a smooth, apple-like skin and a refreshing, j…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 8th
Harvest Begins	Sep 16th
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Apple Gourd vines turning yellow and getting powdery patches, and what can I do?

Powdery mildew is common on apple gourd when days are warm and nights cool, showing up as white/gray powder on leaves and eventually yellowing. Improve airflow by pruning only the most crowded sections and watering at the base (not over the leaves). If needed, spray with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew at the first signs and repeat according to the label, especially during humid weeks.

How often should I water Apple Gourds during the main growing phase to keep fruit from splitting or stalling?

From once vines are established through fruit development (about weeks 4–10), water deeply 1–2 times per week to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Aim for about 1 inch per week total from rain and watering, increasing slightly during hot spells and reducing if the bed stays wet. Check by digging 2–3 inches down—water when it feels dry at that depth, since soggy soil encourages root issues and uneven growth.

How can I tell when my Apple Gourd is ready to harvest at about 100 days?

Harvest when the fruit skin is fully colored and hard (you can’t easily dent it with a fingernail), and the vine begins to yellow and slow down. Cut the gourds with a short stem (about 1–2 inches) before frost, because chilling can damage the skin even if they look mature. After harvest, cure in a warm, airy place for about 1–2 weeks to firm the rind for storage.

Aromatically sweet and delightfully crisp at peak ripeness, Apple Gourd charms with a smooth, apple-like skin and a refreshing, juicy bite. The flesh is firm yet tender, holding its character beautifully for roasting, fresh slices, and vibrant pickles—its gentle flavor lends itself to both bright preserves and savory preparations. Grow this 100-day gourd for an abundant harvest of decorative, edible “apples” that look as good as they taste.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Soak seeds overnight and wait to transplant until soils are reliably warm to prevent stalling on heavy, apple-shaped gourds.