Gourd

Basic Information

Seed Number

75

Seed Name

Gourd

Variety

Sherriot Crown of Thorns

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Shenot Crown of Thorns ornamental gourd (Cucurbita pepo)

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 1

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 1

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

7–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

110–125 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

24-36 in

Row Spacing

8-10 ft

Thin-To Spacing

24-36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1-2 in/week; water deeply and consistently while vines are actively growing and fruiting

Soil Preference

Very fertile, moist but well-drained soil; approximately pH 5.8-6.8

Minimum Container Size

best in ground/trellis

Plant Height

Trailing vine

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: This long-season ornamental gourd should be planted as soon as soil is warm enough after the May 5 frost date. Starting indoors for a few weeks provides useful extra growing time in Southeast Michigan.
Germination: Germinates in approximately 7-10 days at optimum soil temperatures of 70-90°F. Soil below approximately 70°F can result in poor germination.
Harvest: Harvest before hard frost after stems begin browning and fruits have hardened. Mature fruits display distinctive crown-like blunt projections and variable green, orange, white and yellow coloration.
Seed Saving: Cucurbita pepo Crown of Thorns will cross with other compatible C. pepo gourds, zucchini, summer squash and pumpkins. Hand-pollinate and isolate blossoms for true seed.
Special Care: The supplied name 'Sherriot Crown of Thorns' appears to refer to the documented heirloom 'Shenot Crown of Thorns' or 'Crown of Thorns Shenot.' The original supplied variety spelling is preserved in the variety field.
Research Source: MIgardener — https://migardener.com/products/crown-of-thorns-shenot-gourd — Shenot Crown of Thorns identity, ornamental characteristics, annual habit and approximately 110-day maturity
Research Source: Pinetree Garden Seeds — https://www.superseeds.com/products/crown-of-thorns-gourd — Cucurbita pepo identity, 7-10 day germination, 70-90°F soil temperature, 1-inch depth and 125-day maturity
Research Source: Harris Seeds — https://www.harrisseeds.com/products/00806-gourd-shenot-crown-of-thorns — 18-24 inch in-row and 8-10 foot row spacing for Shenot Crown of Thorns
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]