GOURD TREE. The scientific name of this genera and variety of succulent trees is the Cappuccio varicose or commonly known as the gourd tree. There are approximately 200 known species and only a few in the family of the shrubs. The gourd tree belongs to the same family as the cacti family, which includes the pecan, pine, fruit tree, etc.

In order to best take advantage of the many growing seasons offered by the gourd tree it is important to know how they grow. By studying the habits and routines of the wild species that live in your area you can get an idea of how you can grow gourds to make the same healthy use of the seasonal availability that nature provides. This information will also help you decide which varieties are best for your gardening needs and which may not be the best choice for the same reasons.

First, there is the general rule of thumb to keep your gourds hanging in full splendor from spring through fall. The height should be three feet high at maturity. The vines shoot up in groups of three to ten feet, with some of the shoots reaching the ground in as little as one inch length. As the vine grows, so does the mass of leaves. In order to get the most from these early growing stages it is necessary to prune the vines so that new growth is encouraged.

Second, when planning your gourd tree planting, remember that the cujete variety of the gourd tree grows quickly. The leaves are very large and appear more like a bush of cauliflower than a vine. If you choose to grow a couple of varieties, be sure you plant them in partial sun to ensure good growth conditions year round. The squash variety of gourd can sometimes be planted as an alternative to the calabash variety.

Third, the gourd tree is an excellent plant for those who enjoy living in humid climates or areas with dry summers. They make an excellent plant for shade in shady areas, especially near an ocean. The west Indies benefit from the crescentia cujete more than any other variety due to the large root space provided by this variety.

Fourth, the gourd tree accomplishes two tasks very well in home gardens. First, it replaces sugar cane for what is known as the pomander plant. Pomanders are a popular home garden item due to their light weight and ease of planting. The second use the gourd tree serves is to act as a spider plant as it will climb walls and bar through openings. This may seem like an odd combination but spiders do need a place to climb and many times will find that the confines of walls and holes provide the perfect location for their abode.

Gourds also work great as an edging plant and are excellent for creating an attractive border when planting mixed grassy and weed beds. This plant will grow vertically and horizontally and do well in low light environments as long as the soil has sufficient moisture content. It is important not to fertilize or over-fertilize these vines as they prefer a drier soil with less than 5% nitrogen. Once planted they will start to grow into a mass of dark green, bushy vines with beautiful leaves.

The final way gourds are beneficial to your garden is in the frost. Frost hardy plants can survive cold frost and root rot. If planting in spring, remember to dig the hole a bit deeper than normal so the roots can have ample room to develop. In addition, some varieties of vines do better in shallow, still waters during the early part of the year. Frost hardy plants can survive frost and dry periods as long as they are provided with adequate nutrients and water.