10 Cucuzzi Gourd Seeds | Italian Heirloom Edible Lagenaria

Cucuzzi Gourd, also known as Italian edible gourd or cucuzza, is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its long, slender, pale green fruits. Unlike many ornamental gourds, this Lagenaria variety is harvested young and enjoyed as a summer vegetable, similar to zucchini. The vigorous vines are highly ornamental and can be grown on trellises, fences, or arbors, making them a striking and productive addition to the edible garden.

The fruits are best picked when small and tender, typically 6 to 12 inches long, before the skin hardens. Their mild, sweet flavor works well in soups, stews, and sautés. The plants are heat-loving and thrive in full sun, providing a plentiful harvest throughout the warm season. This listing offers 10 seeds of this classic Italian heirloom, ready for your garden.

Plant Features

• Edible Italian heirloom gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)
• Produces long, slender, pale green fruits
• Best harvested young for culinary use
• Vigorous climbing vines, ideal for trellising
• Heat-loving and productive in warm weather

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Lagenaria siceraria
• Plant Type: Annual vine
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Climbing vine
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11 (grown as annual)
• Days to Maturity: 60-70 days for young fruits
• Spacing: 24-36 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow cucuzzi gourd seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in groups of 2-3 seeds, spacing groups 24-36 inches apart. For earlier starts, begin seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting, using biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence for the vines to climb, which also keeps fruits straight and clean.

Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest fruits regularly when they are young and tender, about 6-12 inches long, to encourage continued production. Monitor for common pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs, and provide good air circulation to reduce disease risk.

What's Included

10 Cucuzzi Gourd seeds.