Gourd Speckled Swan Kobra Ornamental Seeds

A striking ornamental calabash variety producing long necked gourds with a graceful curve and a rounded base that resembles the body of a swan.

 

The deep green skin is speckled with irregular white markings, giving each fruit a unique pattern. When dried, the hard shells can be used for crafts, painting, or as natural ornaments.

 

This vigorous annual climber produces sprawling vines up to 2.5 m long, best trained over trellises, fences, or arches where the unusual fruits can hang freely. The fruits are inedible but highly valued for their decorative qualities and long lasting durability once dried.

 

Seed Qty Approx 1.5 grams

 

Sow April to June indoors in pots or modules, or direct outdoors after the last frost

Germination 7 to 14 days in warm steady conditions

Soil and Position Fertile well drained soil in full sun. Provide strong support for climbing vines

Height and Spread Vines extend 2 to 2.5 m; fruits typically 30–40 cm long with a bulbous base

Harvest September to October. Allow fruits to mature fully before harvesting for drying

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Sow seeds individually in pots 2 cm deep in moist compost. Keep at 18–21°C until germination. Harden off and transplant outdoors after the last frost, spacing plants 1.5 m apart. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in late May once the soil has warmed. Provide sturdy supports for climbing vines.

 

Grow and Maintenance

 

Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around plants to conserve moisture. Train vines over trellises or fences to encourage well shaped fruits. Harvest gourds when skins harden and stems begin to dry. Cure in a warm airy place until shells are fully hardened, which may take several months.

 

Uses and Benefits

 

Perfect for ornamental displays, crafts, and decorative projects. The swan like fruits can be dried, varnished, or painted, making them popular for artistic use. Their unique form also makes them a striking feature when left hanging on trellises or arches in the garden.

 

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