Description
Speckled Swan Gourd Seeds 5336.
Unique Open-Pollinated Selection Producing Elegant Swan-Necked Gourds with Mottled Green and White Skin.
Speckled Swan Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a striking hard-shelled heirloom variety prized for its graceful, bird-like form. The fruits feature a bulbous, rounded base with an elongated, gracefully curved neck that resembles the head and neck of a swan. The dark green skin is beautifully speckled with pale green to creamy-white spots. Growing on vigorous, sprawling vines that reach 15 to 30 cm in height, Speckled Swan Gourds require a warm season of at least 95 days to mature. Once dried and cured, their sturdy, woody shells make exceptional natural crafts, painted artwork, and unique autumn displays.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 5336
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Botanical Name: Lagenaria siceraria ‘Speckled Swan’
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Type: Open-Pollinated Annual Vine
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Plant Height: 15–30 cm (Sprawling vine habit)
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Plant Spacing: Space hills 2.4 m apart (or grow vertically on a trellis)
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Deep, rich, organic, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
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Germination: 7–10 days in warm soil
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Seed Depth: 2.5 cm deep
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Days to Maturity: At least 95 days
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Seed Count: Approx. 10–11 seeds per packet (5–7 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Speckled Swan Gourds are hot-weather crops requiring full sun, rich soil amended with plenty of organic matter, and protection from root disturbance.
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Direct Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds outdoors in late May or June once the soil has warmed thoroughly. Sow seeds 2.5 cm deep in raised hills spaced 2.4 m apart, placing 4 to 6 seeds per hill. Thin to the 3 strongest seedlings per hill after emergence.
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Indoor Starting: In short-season areas, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before outdoor planting. Sow directly into paper, fibre, or peat pots to avoid disturbing sensitive roots during transplanting. Keep in a warm, well-lit location.
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Care & Trellising: Amend garden beds with rich compost prior to planting. For cleaner fruit and gracefully curved necks, train vines up a sturdy trellis or support structure.
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Harvesting: Harvest ripe gourds before the first hard frost when they become firm and no longer yield to hand pressure. Cut fruit from the vine leaving a short stem attached, handling carefully to prevent bruising.
Cleaning, Drying & Preservation
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Washing & Drying: Wash harvested gourds thoroughly and store them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Turn the fruit occasionally to promote even drying. Larger gourds may take several months to dry completely.
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Readiness: The gourd is fully cured when it feels lightweight and the seeds inside rattle when shaken.
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Preservation Tip: Once fully dried, glaze the outer skin with floor wax or clear lacquer to preserve and enhance the mottled pattern.
Why Speckled Swan Gourd Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you are looking for an elegant, conversation-starting crop for autumn decorating or dried crafts, Speckled Swan Gourd is a top recommendation. Its graceful shape, distinctive speckled skin, and durable cured shells make it a favourite for Canadian home gardeners and craft enthusiasts.
