Different types of gourds come in many shapes and colors and range from the size of a large egg to larger than a bushel basket.
Here are 20 types of gourds to grow with ways to use them.

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Edible Gourds

1. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo var. cylindrica)

• A summer squash with tender, edible skin. It’s versatile in cooking, often sautéed, grilled, or baked.

2. Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

• Known for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture, it’s commonly used in soups, roasting, and baking.

3. Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. turbinata)

• A small, sweet squash with dark green skin and orange flesh, often baked or stuffed.

4. Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. pepo)

• When cooked, its flesh separates into spaghetti-like strands, commonly used as a low-carb pasta alternative.

5. Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

• Varieties include sugar pumpkins for pies and jack-o’-lanterns for decoration. It’s used in soups, pies, and curries.

6. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

• A green, warty fruit with a bitter taste, used in Asian cuisines for its unique flavor.

7. Luffa (Luffa aegyptiaca)

• Young fruits are edible and used in various dishes; mature fruits are dried to make natural sponges.

8. Chayote (Sechium edule)

• A green, wrinkled squash-like gourd used in Latin American and Caribbean cooking, often sautéed or boiled.

9. Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

• Also known as calabash, this gourd is eaten in some Asian cuisines and used in soups and stews.

10. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

• A small, bitter gourd commonly found in Indian cuisine, used in curries and stir-fries.

Ornamental Gourds

11. Apple Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

• Small, round, and often multi-colored, resembling little apples, perfect for harvest displays.

12. Crown of Thorns (Cucurbita pepo)

• A gourd variety with a distinctive crown-like shape, used as an ornamental piece in home decor.

13. Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina)

• Long and twisting, these gourds have an intriguing shape and are often used in decoration.

14. Warty Gourd (Cucurbita pepo)

• Small and lumpy, with a bumpy texture, typically used in autumn arrangements.

15. Turban Gourd (Cucurbita maxima)

• Brightly colored and shaped like a turban, these are used in fall decorations and as centerpieces.

16. Speckled Swan Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

• Features a bulbous base with a long, curved neck, resembling a swan. It’s often used in decorative displays and crafts.

17. Penguin Gourd (Cucurbita pepo)

• A small, round gourd with a distinctive shape, resembling a penguin, popular for crafting and decoration.

18. Daisy Gourd (Cucurbita pepo)

• Small, flat, and daisy-shaped, these gourds come in various colors and are used in crafts and decorations.

19. Dipper Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

• Characterized by a long, slender neck and bulbous base, traditionally used for making dippers and ladles.

20. Bushel Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

• Large and round, resembling a bushel basket, these gourds are often used for storage and decorative purposes.

References:

• The Spruce: Types of Gourds
• Better Homes & Gardens: Types of Gourds
• Seedman: Gourd Seed List
• Almanac: Types of Gourds