Dipper

Bottle Gourd

Zone 3b Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Vine

Fragrant and delicately sweet, Dipper Bottle Gourd develops a smooth, pale green skin that ripens to a creamy, straw-kissed tone—…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 2nd
Harvest Begins	Aug 21st
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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

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Alaska Mix Nasturtium

Milkmaid Nasturtium

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease problem for Lagenaria siceraria (Calabash) and how can I manage it?

Powdery mildew is common on Lagenaria siceraria, especially once vines are dense. Spray plants with a sulfur-based fungicide (follow label directions) at the first white powdery spots and improve airflow by pruning only a little if the canopy is overly tangled. Avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove heavily infected leaves to slow spread.

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

Water deeply about 1–2 times per week during active vine growth, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and how quickly the soil dries. The best sign you need water is when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry—don’t wait until vines wilt.

How do I tell when my Lagenaria siceraria is ready to harvest at ~80 days?

Harvest when the calabash is fully sized and the skin is hard and resistant to fingernail marks, with the fruit color turning uniform for your variety. Cut the fruit from the vine with a small stem (about 1–2 inches), and avoid harvesting if the skin is still soft. For best curing, pick before a hard frost and let fruits cure in a dry, airy place.

Fragrant and delicately sweet, Dipper Bottle Gourd develops a smooth, pale green skin that ripens to a creamy, straw-kissed tone—its flesh is tender with a fine, juicy bite. Ideal for home gardeners seeking dependable, long-season performance, Dipper’s clean, elongated bottle shape makes it especially satisfying to grow and showcase. Grow it for fresh use and for hearty preparations where its mild flavor and succulent texture shine, from simmered dishes to pickled accents.

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

Start gourds once nights are consistently warm, keep roots undisturbed (or direct sow), and trellis for straighter “dipper” necks.