Cucurbita & Lagenaria species Easy and fun to grow Flowers the same year as sown. Fascinating, vigorous climbers with ornamental fruit. Fruits make wonderful autumn decorations. Height: 180cm/72in Plant Class: Half Hardy Perennial (HHP). CAUTION: Do not eat fruits. They are for decoration only. Keep them away from young children. Sow outdoors, May-June, where they are to grow, 1.5cm (?") deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Allow 90cm (3') between sowing positions. Sow two seeds on edge per position. Seedlings usually appear in 7-21 days. Thin to leave the stronger plant. Water well until established. Or, sow indoors, April-May, 1.5cm (?") deep, on edge, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20?C (60-68?F) is ideal. Keep moist. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out, May-June, 90cm (3') apart, into well-drained soil, when frosts are over. Harvest: September-October. Allow fruit to harden before picking, then dry.