Taking Care Of Little Baby Gourd Seedlings

So the seeds have sprouted and are in their pots. What’s next? More waiting. And then the sprouts start pushing their way up out of the soil. So thrilling!

The gourd seedling emerges, so gracefully, a few days after the sprouted seed was planted.

Now is when they need light. Being next to a window is not enough. They will bend towards the window and become straggly, even if you rotate them daily. Grow lights are needed from now until they get transplanted out. Heating mats are no longer needed. We have grow lights on a timer to mimic daylight. You can set up grow lights easily with a regular light fixture if you just have a few pots.

Each happy little gourd seedling will soon fill up its big pot.

It may take some experimentation to get the grow lights the right distance away from the plants. Keep the grow lights close enough that the plants don’t get “leggy,” but not so close that the plants get burned. You want plants that are brawny, not scrawny, with good, thick, sturdy stems; not too tall. You want the leaves to be a healthy deep green color, not pale or yellowing.

Gourd seedlings growing under grow lights (and Grandpa's watchful eye).

House plant fertilizer can be helpful at this stage, but don’t overdo it. We don’t use fertilizer every time we water, and when we do use fertilizer we dilute it to about half or less of what is recommended.

Aim for robust, compact, dark green seedlings like this one, raring to go!

As transplanting time approaches, give the plants outdoor time. Get them used to sun and wind gradually, starting in protected shady areas at first. Bring them in at night if it’s going to be cold, say below 45 degrees.

Vivalina watching closely, learning as she goes...

Remember, plants that get off to a good strong start have the best chance of becoming healthy, robust, vibrant gourd plants that will do well in the garden.