Though not edible, most ornamental gourds are part of the Cucurbita family — along with pumpkins, squash and melons. They can be dried, then painted, polished, used in crafts or to create ...

Gourds are ready to be harvested when the stems dry and turn brown. While smaller cucurbita gourds may mature after 90 days, some larger lagenaria and luffa gourd varieties require 120 to 180 days ...