Jim, I've only grown a few in a large pot and not sure which if any color may be infertile since I didn't keep records. As to hardiness, mine didn't return by April so I planted new seeds, but it may have been that they had less protection from cold in container than in the ground. My limited growing experience is not much help to you, but wanted to ask if you'd seen this article? Good luck with your gourds. josh

Here is a link that might be useful: Job's Tears

Josh,

Thanks for the link! I figured I would need to cut them back and heavily mulch them to have any chance for winter survival. Some folks around here do that with palms and bananas, so I figured why not. If it doesn't work I can always plant seeds. But if it does work I'm hoping the plants will be bigger and earlier with more seeds next year...

Jim