{"product_id":"gourd-corsican","title":"Gourd - Corsican","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Corsican gourd is a type of ornamental, hard-shelled gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) known for its unique, flat, \"cheese wheel\" shape, reaching 6-12 inches in diameter. After a long growing season and proper drying, the mature tan gourds become a versatile material for crafts, bowls, or decorative pieces, similar to wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Corsican gourd is known by many other names, including Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Hard-Shelled Gourd, Corsican Flat Gourd, Canteen Gourd, Cheese Wheel Gourd, and Ornamental Gourd due to its distinctive shape and uses. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBroad Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Corsican Flat Gourd is a specific variety native to the Old World tropics. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsia and Africa:\u003c\/strong\u003e They have ancient origins in both Asia and Africa. While the general plant type has a broad origin, specific cultivars have more localized histories, such as one variety from Peru. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeed Count: 10 seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharacteristics and Cultivation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Round and flat, resembling a cheese wheel. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green when growing, turning a tan color after drying. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vining plants that require a lot of space and full sun. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best grown in warm conditions after the last frost, with a long growing season. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvesting and Curing \u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest the gourds when the stems and leaves have dried, indicating maturity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow the gourds to cure for several months in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from other gourds, until they are light and the seeds rattle inside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eUses\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce dried, Corsican gourds can be used for:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecorative crafts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Painting, carving, or drilling them into bowls, lanterns, birdhouses, and more. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUtensils and vessels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Historically used as containers, bowls, and other practical items. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bear Mountain Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46450962366521,"sku":null,"price":2.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0819\/4182\/3545\/files\/Gourd_-_Corsican.webp?v=1788657095","url":"https:\/\/bearmountainseeds.com\/products\/gourd-corsican","provider":"Bear Mountain Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}