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Gourds

Key Requirements

Land Low
Labor Medium to High
Capital Medium

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

  • Direct to Consumer
    • Farmer's Markets
    • On-Farm Stands
  • Local Grocery
  • Auctions

Pests & Disease

Gourds are subject to the same diseases and insect pests that attack other cucurbits. The most common and damaging diseases encountered in Kentucky in recent years have been damping-off, gummy stem blight, powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, and viruses. 

$1825 Cost per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

$2000 Returns per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

Curing requires a warm, dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Do not let gourds touch during the curing process. 

Opportunities

  • Some growers find it beneficial to grow gourds on raised beds with black plastic and drip irrigation.  
  • Fall decorating ranks just behind Christmas in dollars spent on decorations per household.