Bottle gourds with brown spots

[Blueberry Acres]

I’m growing bottle gourds (for the first time!) for drying to make birdhouses. Some of the gourds are a healthy green with stems slowly turning brown (signifying their maturity), but some have lots of brown spots on them and brown stems. Is this normal? Is it a disease/fungus I have to treat for?

Normal…

Brown spotted…

Thanks!

 

[heirloomgal]

As far as I know @Blueberry Acres that's a type of fungus, but it's considered totally normal for bottle gourds. It's actually part of the visual appeal of the fully dried gourds, as the spots increase slightly in size over time.

 

[flowerbug]

I’m growing bottle gourds (for the first time!) for drying to make birdhouses. Some of the gourds are a healthy green with stems slowly turning brown (signifying their maturity), but some have lots of brown spots on them and brown stems. Is this normal? Is it a disease/fungus I have to treat for?

Normal…
View attachment 69630

Brown spotted…
View attachment 69631


Thanks!

it has been so long since we grew those (once ) that i can't recall what they looked like when they finished. i knew they weren't what Mom was hoping for so we didn't do much with them. sorry. but i'm glad someone who knew answered your question!

 

[Dahlia]

I’m growing bottle gourds (for the first time!) for drying to make birdhouses. Some of the gourds are a healthy green with stems slowly turning brown (signifying their maturity), but some have lots of brown spots on them and brown stems. Is this normal? Is it a disease/fungus I have to treat for?

Normal…
View attachment 69630

Brown spotted…
View attachment 69631


Thanks!

What a cool idea for a bird house!

 

[Blueberry Acres]

What a cool idea for a bird house!

I’m really excited to try it! I’ve wanted to purchase one (at farmers markets, craft fairs, etc) but they’re about $45

Here are some ideas I have for the painted ones…but maybe on a more amateur scale

 

[Dahlia]

I’m really excited to try it! I’ve wanted to purchase one (at farmers markets, craft fairs, etc) but they’re about $45

Here are some ideas I have for the painted ones…but maybe on a more amateur scale
View attachment 69682
View attachment 69683
View attachment 69684
View attachment 69685

Those are really neat! I showed my daughter and she loves this!

 

[flowerbug]

as a tip for those who want to make something like that, after you are done painting it find a clear spray to go over it that includes UV protection and it will last much longer and keep the colors better.