Fall for Gourds

Nothing says fall like winter squash and pumpkins, collectively called gourds. They arrive at the garden center and grocery store in late summer and early fall in a dizzying array of colors, shapes, and sizes. It’s hard choosing between all the fancy varieties out there. Some gourds are downright bizarre in their appearance; but that just makes them all the more interesting as a table dressing or holiday decoration.Unlike summer squashes and zucchini, winter squashes or gourds are allowed to mature fully before they are harvested. Summer squashes are harvested while their skin is still soft and tender. Winter squashes, such as pumpkins, will have a hard exterior, which makes them long- lasting and great for decorating.Winter squashes have a long growing season that ranges from 80 to 100 days from seeding. That means you’ll need to seed winter squash varieties in Texas gardens in May and early June in order to harvest in fall. If you’re growing your own, good varieties for Texas include acorn, butternut, buttercup, Calabaza, and spaghetti squash. There are other options, but these are reliable varieties.If you’re purchasing mature gourds this fall, you’ll have many more options to choose from. Most gourds you’ll find available are edible; however, a few of them will serve you best as a decoration.Gooseneck Squash:These interesting-looking gourds really do resemble a gooseneck! While they’re not considered edible, they are used extensively as a decoration or to make natural birdhouses and bird feeders. The gooseneck squash’s green stripes will fade as it dries.Fairytale Pumpkin:If you’re looking for an impressive yet still fanciful pumpkin, this is a great choice. Reminiscent of Cinderella’s carriage, these French heirloom pumpkins have a wide flat shape with deep ribs. They can become quite large, growing to about 15 to 20 pounds. They’re also edible, with tender flesh and a sweet flavor.Blue Hubbard Squash:These winter squashes look like big blue-green footballs. They can grow to between 15 and 40 pounds and 2 feet in length. Blue Hubbards are also tasty and have a cucumber-like aroma.Lumina Pumpkin:Breaking from the normal orange and red pumpkins, the Lumina’s color can range from beautiful glowing white to pale blue. It’s lovely as a porch decoration or stacked with other darker-colored pumpkins. While mostly used for decoration, Lumina pumpkins are edible and have lovely white flesh.Turk’s Turban Squash:This squash really is shaped just like a turban. The skin offers up a mix of colors, from red to bright orange with green stripes. They’re perfect for stacking as a table centerpiece or in front porch pots. Turk’s Turbans are edible, even though they’re most often used for decorating.Tiger Stripe Pumpkin:This miniature-size pumpkin has a cute, squatty shape and is ideal for fall-themed displays and tablescapes. It’s also edible, and hollowed out it makes an excellent serving bowl for soups.You’ll be able to get your hands on many more fun and funky gourds this fall, so don’t be afraid to try several different varieties. Remember that ornamental gourds aren’t just for Halloween; they can last for months and make wonderful decorations right through the Thanksgiving season.