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Location

Message

Date Posted

Sparta, NC

I have been growing long gourds for about 4 years now and have noticed that some gourds have good seeds and some don't. All were trested the same way and allowed to grow the same amount of time. I know other growers have had the same problem. Any thoughts on this problem?

11/16/2009 5:23:34 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Great question Sam but I don't have a clue as to why? The answer could be linked to why some AG's produce no or very few viable seeds?

11/16/2009 6:57:32 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Viability or germination??? I know from limited experience, that most gourd seeds (of all types) are tough to crack open and get to grow!!! Very tough (hard) seed shells!!! Could the prblm be germination prblms vs. viability ?'s!! Peace, Wayne

11/17/2009 2:23:04 AM

Jericho Vermont

I have seen this as well. I get multiple seeds from one LG to germ and zero from another with the same germination techniques. I think it has something to do with how you hold the knife as you are extracting them. Ha!

11/17/2009 6:14:11 AM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

I have talked with a couple of growers and the consensus
seems to be that some LG's have good seeds and some don't.
Hollow seeds seem to be a problem.

No one seems to have any ideas why?

Great queswtion Sam

11/17/2009 10:04:44 AM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

I arrived at one opinion this year.
My 76 Jutras plant put on a good LG, it grew to full maturity at 117.38. A second LG appeared after I harvested the 117.38. The 2nd LG grew to 118.00, but it grew quickly and developed some rot on the bottom.

The 117.38 had several hundred good looking seeds, the 118.00 had less than 40 seeds which do not appear viable.

My conclusion, the LG must grow to maturity, maybe stay on the vine a week or two later. It probably helps to store the LG for a couple of weeks after harvest to let the seeds mature.

Just my experience from one year.

11/17/2009 3:02:48 PM