Leaves from Gourds. Would it be bad if I clipped some of them off for an crafts project?

Question

I have a Gourd plant that is living it's life on my West Patios trellies. I wonder if I clipped some off now, would I disturb the plant from further development?

Also I have an idea to make a bird bath out of it. With cement and using the big leaves of the Gourd. Any idea how to go about? Thanks. It's a really big plant.

Answer 1

Hi

If the plant is vigoursly growing (as gourds usually do) then the loss of a few leaves shouldn't stunt the growth. The only downside is that where the leaves are cut is a potential place for disease to enter. I would find a side shoot that you don't want and cut that off instead and get all the leaves from the same place with only one cut.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I remember I grew a gourd one summer, I think I even took a picture of it starting to vine up the front door, and I still have the dried gourds in my room like over a year old. As far as I remember the leaves were pretty brittle, but I know for most plants clipping off the fruit doesn't really do too much to damage the actual plant, as long as you keep it fed and everything.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/saihttam/100_0428.jpg

yeah when I cut the gourds off I don't think it really damaged the plant or anything