A hand selected mixture of small gourds in a wide range of colours and shapes including smooth skinned, warted and winged types.

These ornamental fruits are ideal for adding to autumn floral decorations, or used as varnished ornaments around the home.

Sow April-May. Soak seeds for 2 hours. Sow seed, 1cm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of free-draining, seed sowing mix. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a plastic bag and place at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed. Sow 2 seeds every 60cm (24in) and thin out to the best seedling.

Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 60cm (24in) apart.

When fruits have reached the required size, remove from the plant and store in a dry, airy place until fully dried.

Non-edible