Zucchetta Ornamentale, Large Fungo

Zucchetta Ornamentale, Large Fungo   LARGE ORNAMENTAL MUSHROOM PUMPKIN  Annual open head plant that produces small pumpkins to be used only as an ornament and not for food. They are to be grown like a traditional pumpkin. It produces fruits with a characteristic mushroom shape and are kept for a long time after harvesting. They are used as decorations for compositions and table centrepieces.

Ornamental Gourds grown for their fascinating shapes and colours

Ornamental Squash or Gourd grown for their fascinating shapes and colors, to be used in a range of decorative arrangements. All are non edible! Sow February to June in a protected enviroment and plant outside after last frosts. Characteristic mushroom shaped squash. They should be cultivated in the same way as traditional pumpkins. The first fruit will mature in late summer. A shriveling and browning of the stem is evidence that the gourd is mature. Wash the gourds in warm, soapy water, and rinse them in a mixture of water and household disinfectant. This removes any soil and soil-borne bacteria clinging to the shell.  They can be displayed fresh and then later dried.

Dry each gourd with a soft cloth or towel to avoid bruising or scratching the skin. Dry the gourds in two steps. First, to remove surface moisture, spread the gourds out on several layers of newspapers in a warm, dry place. Space the gourds so they don’t touch. This allows air to circulate for faster drying. Turn the fruits daily, and replace any dampened newspaper with fresh, dry paper. It should take the gourds about one week to dry. During the surface drying, the shell hardens and the surface color sets. Discard any fruit that shrivels or develops soft spots. For the final drying, wipe the remaining gourds with household disinfectant. Spread them out on newspaper in a warm, dark, dry place for three to four weeks. Heat encourages drying and helps prevent disease development. Darkness will prevent fading of the color. You can display gourds in their natural state or use a paste wax or shellac to give gourds a hard, glossy finish.