Use as summer squash when young; pick before the fruit reaches 6 inches long. As the fruit grows, it develops a pale green hard shell. The gourds can grow to more than 3 feet long and five inches in diameter. The vines have beautiful white flowers that bloom at night. 100 days.

GOURDS

WHEN TO PLANT: early spring; requires 100 frost free days.

DEPTH OF PLANTING: 1/2" deep

DISTANCE BETWEEN PLANTS (AFTER THINNING): 1 foot apart Distance Between Rows: 3 feet apart

RAISED BED PLANTING INFORMATION: After thinning, plants should be 2 feet apart throughout bed.

SOIL TYPE RECOMMENDED: sandy, composted soil

NOTE: may be planted in hills. 3-6 plants per hill, six feet apart.

TUCSON PLANTING INFORMATION: Excellent spring crop with high yields. Optimum soil temperature is 80 degrees. Plant March 15 to June 1.