SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Bushel Basket

Gourd
Zone 4a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Bushel Basket to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Bushel Basket
110d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMay 22nd
Last FrostMay 15th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJun 5th
Harvest BeginsSep 23rd
Harvest EndsSep 24th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Bushel Basket in Zone 4a typically begins around 2026-06-05. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Bushel Basket.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Bushel Basket.

Recommended Companions

Whiteout Corn
View Details →
Alaska Nasturtium Nasturtium
View Details →
Ladybird Nasturtium Nasturtium
View Details →
Howling Mob Corn
View Details →

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.
Botanical illustration of Bushel Basket

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Bushel Basket in Zone 4a typically begins around 2026-06-05. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Bushel Basket.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Bushel Basket.

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

Sow or transplant only after nights are consistently warm and the soil has warmed, then give heavy early feeding to support the very large fruit set.