Ornamental Gourds

Ornamental gourds are related to edible squashes and pumpkins, but are grown to full maturity and then dried to use for decoration. They're readily available in grocery stores and farmers markets, and several types can be successfully grown in North Florida.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Ornamental and Utilitarian Gourd Photo Gallery I
• Ornamental and Utilitarian Gourd Photo Gallery II
• Q&A: Gourds

UF/IFAS Publications

• Gourd, Ornamental -- Lagenaria spp., Cucurbita spp., and Luffa spp.
• It's the Great Pumpkin! Or is That a Gourd? (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Luffa
• Natural Fall Decorations
• Ornamental Vegetables
• Pumpkins

Other Sites

• The Culture and Use of Ornamental Gourds--Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
• Florida Gourd Society, Inc.
• Gourd Cleaning and Hints--Foothills Farm
• Gourd Success Includes Proper Harvest and Handling--University of Illinois Extension
• Growing and Curing Gourds in the Home Garden--Ohio State University Extension
• Ornamental Gourds--Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
• Ornamental Gourds--Washington State University Extension
• Ornamental Gourds Provide Fall Color--About.com