Yakteen Gourd
Lagenaria siceraria
Conventionally Grown
Velvet leaves, lacy white flowers, and bottle-shaped fruits distinguish this beloved Palestinian gourd that can be picked young for a delicious meal or left to dry for use as a bowl or vessel. This variety was introduced to us by Vivien Sansour, founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library. Vivien describes Yakteen, which means simply "gourd" in Arabic, as "a magical being, a beloved Palestinian food." Much like other bottle-type gourd varieties, Yakteen grows tall with a vining habit which, if trellised, will provide a glowing green canopy dangling with smooth-skinned fruits.
100% of all Yakteen Art Pack sales are donated to the Palestinian Seed Library.
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Growing instructions
Product Details
| Days to Maturity | 60 days |
|---|---|
| Days to Germination | 7-12 days |
| Height at Maturity | 18-24" |
| Sun Conditions | Full Sun (8+ Hours Sun) |
| Planting Depth | 1" |
| Row Spacing | 36-48" |
| Plant Spacing | 24" |
About the artist
Planted last April in eastern Missouri/zone 7; the vines grew VERY vigorously and took over their trellis as well as several nearby patches of wildflowers (which it grew fine tangled up with). I think they may have received a little bit too much rain and/or compost in early summer however because they took a really long time to set fruit, not really starting to flower until late August. I didn't get very many gourds, but the ones I got were amazing cooked like you would a summer squash. Will definitely try again!
I love ordering from this company.
The quality of the service, packaging and seeds are excellent.
I grew up eating yakteen. Often mom made them with rice and meat stuffing, in a yogurt or tomato sauce. So delicious 🙂Being able to successfully grow it and the smell of the plant brought up so many beautiful memories.
Use good compost and allow plenty of space for trellising.
