Nice site, Neil. Things are looking good! I was browsing online the other day, and saw gourds growing on a pergola; interesting idea. Could probably use any other type of climbing vegetable - an edible pergola! Cool! PV

@organic_kitten - that is not Inca Prince in my banner. It is one of my own hybrids that was registered in 2012 - Key West Sunset. The washed eye is more orange than Inca Prince and the stalk height is 12" taller (24" for IP vs 36" for KWS). Browns Ferry Gardens have offered to increase it and sell it in the future if the increases work so I hope it will be sold by a major nursery in the future. @najoba - Mark's Bouquet is blooming for its 3rd year in my garden. I lost Dakar, Bonbraie Mr Juggles and Manadrin's Cloak over the last Indiana winter but Mark's Bouquet is doing well still. If you like the speckled look of Mark's Bouquet ... you'll need to check my blog today when it gets done because our other speckled just bloomed for the first time and its one of my wife favorites. (Amethyst Veil)

I am so please to see another post, Seniorgal. I should probably bookmark your blog!

I grow them from seed with some success. They never quite get tall and I have much more luck with the dwarf types than the tall ones. The key is to put them in moist soiless medium in the refrigerator for at least two weeks before taking them out and sewing them in flats during the coolest weeks. Then, once they sprout, I carefully transplant them into cow pots until they are strong enough to go in the garden (preferably in the coolest weeks). Then, I hope for the best. The cooler the weather, the larger they grow (and the bigger the flower when they bloom). But, they will bloom either way when temps get warm.