Dipper Gourd

This is not the greatest example of a Dipper Gourd. As you can see by the see packet photo, they usually grow much larger, and the handles have the potential to become much longer than the example I have in the photo.

We planted these late, and with our short growing season, they didn't have time to reach their potential. None-the-less, I'd still like to share this variety with you. I plan on growing these again next year, and perhaps I'll have a better specimen to photograph come next Autumn.

Like most gourds, the Dipper can be left in a cool dry place for 6 months to a year. The flesh will rot, mold and eventually dry up leaving behind a woody, waterproof  shell that can be sanded and used like a ladle.  Just saw off the top of the bulbous section and clean out the seeds. They also make a great scoop for animal feed.

To learn more about preserving gourds check out my GRIT Magazine post on Birdhouse Gourds. 

To learn more about different pumpkin, gourd and squash varieties, visit the Iron Oak Farm Pumpkin Page.