A: Ornamental gourds are closely related to the pumpkin and squash we eat. Some of the ornamental gourds are edible such as luffa gourd (sometimes called running okra) as long as it is immature. A few of the edible squashes are quite ornamental when mature, such as the yellow crookneck squash and the turban (Turk’s cap) squash.

Ornamental gourds are prized for their unusual shapes and often painted and carved into useful household objects such as birdhouses, baskets or planters. They can be grown throughout Florida but in Northeast Florida, they should be planted after the threat of frost is over. If possible, ornamental gourds should be allowed to mature on the vine and once matured they should be cut from the vine using a sharp knife. If they are blow off the vine, as in your case, only mature gourds should be used because immature ones will rot.

The outside of the mature gourds should be washed with mild soap and water then allowed to dry. Placing them on a screen or strong netting allows air to circulate completely around the whole gourd. Be sure none of the gourds are touching each other and rotate the gourd every few days. If soft, black spots develop on the outside it is an indication of rot and the gourd should be thrown away. Once you hear the seeds rolling around inside you know the gourd has completely dried, which may take several months. Keep them out of direct sunlight as the color of the gourd may fade. Mold may develop on the outside but that provides interesting patterns. I have a gourd with a mold pattern that mimics bird’s-eye maple – very pretty.

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