Prepare Gourds for Fall Decoration

The small gourds have a fairly thick flesh, and must be hardened properly so they will not deteriorate while still in the fall decorations. In order to last well, they must be fully mature at the time they are picked. They should not be subjected to freezing temperatures. Small ornamental gourds are a close relative to the pumpkin, all of which develop a hard surface when mature.

Some of the most popular types of small gourds include the bicolor, egg, pear, orange, and warted gourds. When ornamental gourds are ripe the stem will turn brown and start to shrivel. If they are picked before that time, they may not be fully mature. If they seem mature and the stem has not yet died, the fruits should be cut from the vines with pruning shears, allowing a small portion of the stem to remain attached.

Eventually, this stem may dry and even drop off, but this allows the stem end wound to heal over without being exposed to invasion by fungi while still soft. Gourds grown on a fence or trellis are the most attractive since there is no chance for ground spots to develop and no need to clean off soil. If gourds have soil on their surface, they should be carefully washed with warm soapy water. Washed gourds should then be rinsed in clean water to which a household disinfectant has been added.

Clean gourds should have their surface sterilized by carefully wiping each gourd with a cloth dampened in rubbing or denatured alcohol. Always handle gourds carefully, so they do not become scratched or bruised. After gourds have been thoroughly cleaned, they need to be cured. This is done by spreading them no more than one layer deep in a warm, well-ventilated place. Check regularly and discard any that show soft spots during curing.

After about two weeks the process should be complete and the gourds should have hard, tough surfaces. For short-term use, curing and processing may not be necessary. However, well-cured gourds remain attractive for at least three to four months. To extend their life even more, a protective coating may also be applied. Floor wax, spray wax, white shellac, or clear lacquer might be used, depending on convenience and degree of gloss desired. A protective coating on a clean, dry gourd can keep it attractive for six or more months.

Usually by the end of six months, however, colors begin to fade even though the gourds may still be firm. In addition to the small ornamental gourd, there are types of gourds used for other purposes. The luffa, commonly called dishrag or sponge gourd, is one of these unusual types. Because it is the inside rather than the outside that is to be preserved, treatment is different. Luffas must also be fully mature at harvest. When they are mature, the skin color lightens and, after drying, may begin to crack and can be pulled off of the fibrous inner portion.

This is not always too easy, especially if the gourd is picked a little green. Submerging them in boiling water for about 15 minutes, or putting them in a freezer for about two hours will loosen the skin and make its removal easier. Seeds have to be picked out by hand. After use, these durable fibers can be run through the washer or dishwasher to clean them. They may even be bleached to make them lighter and more attractive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gourd