Swan Gourd
These speckled Swans with life-like crooked necks, in an unusual two-tone green pattern that when dried, can be painted to a colour of your choice!
THE FRUIT IS NOT EDIBLE!
Sow from March to April 1cm deep, in pots of moist seed compost. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C. After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 7 to 21 days. When at the 2 leaf stage, transplant seedlings on into 13cm pots and grow on in well-lit conditions. Can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed. Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 1 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 60cm apart. For best results, provide a deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Dry fruits fully in a cool, airy position before painting the skins.