Gourd - Ornamental - Nest Egg

The Gourd Ornamental Nest Egg, 'Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera', is very similar in size and shape to a hen's egg. The Nest Egg is used as a decorative egg in baskets and Easter arrangements. The smooth, white, and hard Nest Egg-shaped gourd has nearly unlimited uses. Arrange them in gourd bowl, paint as Easter eggs, or you can make a unique and useful tea ball. Plant in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees. Place the gourds in full sun. The soil must be well drained and have lots of organic material. Gourds should be kept evenly moist and at the end of the season keep them on the dry side. Hard-shelled gourds should be kept in the garden as long as there is any life left in the vines.