Buffalo Gourd

What you'll need:

Buffalo gourd seeds (available from seed suppliers or garden centers)

Well-draining soil (Buffalo gourds don’t like soggy feet)

Compost or aged manure to enrich the soil

A shovel or spade for digging

• A large patch of ground (this plant spreads widely, so it needs plenty of space)

When to start:

Buffalo gourds are hardy and prefer warm weather. You should plant them in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. The soil should be warm—around 60°F (15°C) or higher—for the seeds to germinate properly.

Choosing a spot:

Buffalo gourds are vigorous growers that spread out over a large area, so pick a spot where they can roam freely. They love full sun, so find a place that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. If you’re short on space, consider planting them along a fence or edge of your property where they can climb or sprawl without taking over your garden.

Tip: Buffalo gourds are drought-tolerant once established, so they’re perfect if you live in a dry climate. However, they still need some water when they’re young.

Step-by-step planting:

1. Prepare the soil: Start by loosening the soil with a shovel or spade. Mix in some compost or aged manure to give the plants a nutrient boost. Buffalo gourds aren’t too picky about soil, but they’ll grow best in well-draining soil that’s not too heavy with clay.
2. Sow the seeds:
   • Dig small holes about 1 inch deep and space them 3-4 feet apart. This gives the vines plenty of room to spread as they grow.
   • Drop 2-3 seeds into each hole and cover them lightly with soil.
   • Water the area gently after planting to help the seeds settle in.
3. Water regularly: Keep the soil moist while the seeds are germinating, which usually takes about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings sprout, you can reduce watering frequency, but make sure the soil doesn’t completely dry out.

If using seedlings:

• If you’ve started the seeds indoors or bought seedlings, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
• Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and press down gently.
• Space the seedlings about 3-4 feet apart, just like with seeds.

Tip: Buffalo gourd vines can grow up to 15 feet long, so give them lots of room to stretch out!

Sunlight and water:

• Buffalo gourd loves the sun! Make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight—at least 6-8 hours a day.
• Once the plants are established, they’re quite drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of caution.

Feeding time:

• Buffalo gourd doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you enriched the soil with compost or manure at planting time, that should be enough for the season.
• However, if the leaves start looking pale or growth seems slow, you can give the plants a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Pruning and support:

• Buffalo gourd is a sprawling vine, so it will naturally spread out over the ground. If you want to control its growth, you can prune the tips of the vines occasionally, but this isn’t necessary unless you’re short on space.
• If you have a fence or trellis, you can train the vines to climb, which can help save space and keep the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of rot.

Pests and problems:

• Buffalo gourd is pretty tough and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch out for squash bugs or cucumber beetles, which may try to munch on the leaves.
• If you see any bugs, you can remove them by hand or use an organic insecticidal soap spray to keep them under control.

Tip: Buffalo gourd is a wild plant, so it doesn’t need much pampering. Just let it do its thing, and it’ll reward you with lots of growth!

When to harvest:

• Buffalo gourd produces small, round fruits that start out green and turn yellow or orange as they mature. The fruits are ready to harvest when they’re about the size of a tennis ball and have turned a bright yellow or orange color.
• The roots are also edible and can be harvested at any time during the growing season, though they’re typically tastiest when the plant is younger.

How to harvest:

• To harvest the fruits, simply cut them from the vine with a pair of scissors or pruning shears, leaving a small stem attached to the fruit.
• For the roots, carefully dig around the base of the plant with a shovel or spade. The roots can grow quite large, so take care not to damage them as you dig.

Storage:

• The fruits can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks. They can also be cooked and eaten right away.
• The roots can be cleaned, peeled, and cooked immediately, or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Tip: Buffalo gourd fruits are often used in jams, sauces, or pickles, while the roots can be roasted or boiled like potatoes.

Q: Can I grow Buffalo gourd in a container?

A: While technically possible, Buffalo gourd is a sprawling plant that needs a lot of space to grow. Containers would restrict its growth significantly, so it’s better suited for large gardens or open spaces.

Q: Is Buffalo gourd invasive?

A: Yes, it can be! Buffalo gourd spreads quickly and can take over an area if not managed. Be mindful of its growth and prune it regularly if you want to keep it contained.

Q: Are all parts of the Buffalo gourd edible?

A: Both the fruit and roots are edible, but the leaves and stems are generally not consumed. Be cautious when handling the plant, as the foliage can have a strong odor when crushed.

Q: How do I control pests on my Buffalo gourd?

A: Buffalo gourd is pretty pest-resistant, but if you notice squash bugs or beetles, you can handpick them or use an organic insecticidal soap. Companion planting with marigolds or nasturtiums can also help deter pests.

Q: Can I save seeds from my Buffalo gourd for next year?

A: Absolutely! Let some fruits mature fully on the vine until they’re very hard. Then, scoop out the seeds, rinse them, and let them dry completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.