Cucurbita pepo. 95 days. Open-pollinated.
Ten Commandments, also called Crown of Thorns, is an open-pollinated, heirloom gourd named for the unique, eye-catching ring of ten knobs or prongs that point toward the blossom end of the fruit.
The fruits, which grow to about the size of a softball and weigh around 1 pound each, are mottled orange, white, and green and are perfect for use in fall displays to add a bit of autumn flair around your home or business!
Though their main attraction is a fall or winter decoration, these gourds can also be used in the kitchen as a summer squash if picked when they're still young.
Ten Commandments / Crown of Thorns Gourd
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 12 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Rich, well-drained Sow Depth: 1 inch Plant Spacing: 36 to 48 inches Germination Temp: 70ºF or higher Germination Time: 10 to 14 days Maturation: 95 days Growing Tips
Start seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Soak seeds overnight, then sow in peat pots, 2 to 3 seeds per pot. Use a heat mat to maintain a soil temperature above 70°F and thin to the strongest plants once the seedlings have obtained their first set of true leaves. Transplant outdoors once soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70°F.
If direct sowing, wait until outdoor soil temperatures are 70°F or warmer, then plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, 5 seeds per hill with 5 feet between hills. Thin to the strongest plants once the seedlings have obtained their first set of true leaves.