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Squash · Lagenaria siceraria

Bottle or Birdhouse

Bottle or Birdhouse is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 125. Skin runs to greenish to white/brown. Water need is regular, consistent moisture; 1-2 inches per week. Suits zones 2-11.

Squash
125days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular, consistent moisture; 1-2 inches per week
Soil
Well-draining, fertile loam with good organic matter
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
9-18 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Greenish to white/brown
Size
10-12 lb.
Shape
Rounded with narrow neck and bulbous stem end

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, squash bugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, squash vine blight, downy mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyNovember – October
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneOctober
6——May – JuneOctober – November
7——April – JuneSeptember – November
8——April – MaySeptember – October
9——March – AprilAugust – September
10——February – AprilJuly – September
11——January – MarchJune – August
12——January – MarchJune – August
13——January – MarchJune – August

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CornProvides natural trellis support for climbing squash vines, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters companion system
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil for squash roots
MarigoldsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other squash pests
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects that control squash pest populations
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent through aromatic oils

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar soil nutrients and space, may harbor similar fungal diseases
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit squash growth and development
Aromatic Herbs (Sage)Strong aromatic oils can inhibit squash growth and may attract harmful insects

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Bottle or Birdhouse?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

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Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Bottle or Birdhouse suits these too.

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