At Welburn Gourd Farm, we understand that sometimes you need gourds with specific shapes, sizes, or characteristics that aren't available in our Pre-Boxed Selection. Custom orders are perfect for requirements like extra-large gourds, flat bottoms, stems, or specific shapes for fine art pieces or instruments such as Ipu Ole and Ipu Heke.
Custom Order Gourds
Why Choose Welburn Gourd Farm for Custom Orders?
As the largest hard-shelled gourd farm in the world, we take pride in offering the highest quality gourds. Only approximately 10-15% of our annual crop meets the stringent criteria of being our premium quality; thick-shelled, symmetrical, and flawless with flat bottoms and stems. Our team meticulously selects each gourd to match your needs.
How to Place a Custom Order
1. Order Requirements
- Minimum order: $300
- 15% restocking fee applies for canceled or unconfirmed orders after 7 days.
- Average Custom orders typically take 2-6 weeks to fill, depending on the season and specifications.
2. Submitting Your Request
- Email photos and detailed specifications of your desired gourds to info@welburngourdfarm.com.
4. Helpful Tips
- The best time to place custom orders is right after harvest. We harvest in November and take order deposits beginning in January. The year’s harvest is brough into our racks for processing in March - April.
- Orders placed later in the year may have limited inventory and take longer to fulfill.
- Be flexible with shape or size to ensure we can meet your needs quickly.
Pro Tips for Successful Custom Orders
Timing is key
Place your order soon after harvest for the best selection. All orders are processed consecutively by orders placed however, timelines and processing can vary depending on inventory. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when the new crop is ready!
Prioritize your needs
- If quality matters most, allow flexibility with size or shape.
- If shape is critical, provide detailed photos and descriptions, along with a description of your project. For example: "I need bottle gourds with medium necks for making snowmen."
Simplicity works best
Keep your requirements broad when possible (e.g., “8-9 inch gourds” instead of “exactly 9-inch gourds”). Nature doesn’t manufacture gourds—they grow uniquely every time!
Ordering Hawaiian Ipus and Ipu Heke Drums
The Hawaiian Ipu and Ipu Heke are traditional drums made from specific gourd shapes. Each Ipu is unique, just like the dancers who use them.
- Ipu Heke sets require a tall body gourd with a flat bottom, and only a few thousand suitable gourds are produced each year.
- Due to their rarity and labor-intensive selection process, Ipu Heke gourds are priced differently than standard custom orders.
Ordering & Timing: March to June is our busiest time, and orders for Ipus typically take 2-6 weeks to fulfill.
To place an order for Ipu gourds, email info@welburngourdfarm.com with your specifications,
or call (760) 728-4271.
Explore Our
Pre-Boxed Gourds
Save time and money! Check out our Pre-Boxed Selection for a wide variety of shapes and sizes at up to 30% off custom order prices.
For more information, contact us or visit us in Fallbrook, CA
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