INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH EVERY ORDER!Birdhouse Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Dipper) – 15 Seeds•Heirloom•Non-GMO•American grown seeds•Easy to grow•USDA Zones: 3-12Description:These very popular hourglass-shaped gourds reach 10-12″ at the bulb end and are perfect for making birdhouses. The tan shell becomes hard and glossy when it is ready to harvest in about 120 days. Birdhouse Gourds have a long and amazing history that dates back through ancient Asian, Polynesian and African civilizations.Growing Instructions:In shorter growing seasons, start gourd seeds indoor in peat pots about 3-4 weeks before the last frost. To speed germination, soak the seeds overnight. Plant the seedlings outdoors in rich soil and full sun after the last spring. For direct sowing, wait until the soil has warmed up to 70° then plant 5 seeds per hill, 1″ deep with 5 foot spacing and think each hill to the strongest plant. Keep soil evenly moist and put down mulch to help retain moisture and keep the gourds from contacting the ground. Too much soil can weaken the shell and distort the shape.Shipping:All orders are shipped USPS First Class with tracking at a flat rate whether you buy 1 seed order or 100. Free shipping over $35. All orders come in a resealable plastic zip lock bag labeled with growing instructions. If stored properly, your seeds can last for years. All seeds have been tested to ensure the highest germination rate possible. Our seeds have no weeds or fillers mixed in. You will get 100% of the seed you ordered. We do our absolute best to get all orders placed before 4pm out that day. Orders placed after 4pm will ship the following day. During peak seasons, processing times may be slightly longer. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time.***These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore we cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information on our site is provided for educational purposes only.