Gourd

Basic Information

Seed Number

74

Seed Name

Gourd

Variety

Cornucopia Mix

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Mixed ornamental gourd

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 21

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 10

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 10

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 10

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

110 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-90°F

Planting Depth

3/4 in

Plant Spacing

24-36 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

24-36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

At least 1 in/week; maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development

Soil Preference

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil; approximately pH 6.0-6.5

Minimum Container Size

best in ground/trellis

Plant Height

Vining

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

No

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jun 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 90–120 days
Container Friendly: Small gourds possible; best in ground/trellis
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Ornamental/craft
Succession / Reusable Notes: Grow on a sturdy trellis or along edges if space is tight.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs a long warm season; earlier is better.
Companion Plants: Corn, beans, sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, calendula
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Cornucopia Mix requires approximately 110 days to mature, so plant promptly once soil has warmed in Southeast Michigan. Starting indoors for a few weeks can provide additional season length.
Germination: Warm soil is essential for cucurbit germination. Avoid root disturbance when transplanting.
Harvest: Harvest ornamental fruits after they reach full mature coloration and their rinds become firm, but before a hard freeze. Cure dry with good airflow.
Seed Saving: A mixed ornamental gourd population can cross heavily within compatible species. Saved seed will not reliably reproduce the original commercial mixture.
Special Care: Cornucopia Mix is sold as a mixture rather than a single uniform cultivar, so individual fruit colors, shapes and mature vine characteristics vary.
Research Source: Gardener Data — https://gardenerdata.com/variety/cornucopia-mix-gourd — Cornucopia Mix identity, approximately 110-day harvest, annual habit and full-sun requirement
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/pumpkins-and-winter-squash — 65°F soil requirement, planting timing, 3/4-inch sowing depth, 24-36 inch spacing, 5-6 foot rows, soil and water requirements
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]