What do I need to do to prepare pumpkin seeds for the next growing season after removing them from a pumpkin?

Answer 1

Here are the simple steps for saving your seeds for next year:

Select large, healthy pumpkins from healthy plants. Remember large begets large and round begets round.

If one plant appears more disease resistant than others, lean towards a pumpkin from this vine.

Select two or three pumpkins if possible. Multiple sources increases the likelihood of good germination.

Extract the seeds from the pumpkins.

Wash and rinse seeds thoroughly, using soapy, lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, and do not allow the seeds to soak in the water.

Drain seeds in a strainer.

Spread seed out an screen.

Stir the seeds often the first two days. Turn them over as you stir.

Allow the seeds to air dry in a cool, dry area for three weeks. Longer is recommended. Do not cut the time short, even if the seeds appear "dry".

Store seeds in a bag, envelope or jar in a cool dry place. Use of an air tight jar is not recommended, because if the seeds have not thoroughly dried, they will mold and rot.

Mark the seeds with date and type of pumpkin.

Some people place the seed in a freezer for a couple of weeks before sowing them to replicate nature if at all possible. This is optional and I have seen no difference.

Answer 2

The answer lies in the soil! A load of well rotted manure is the foundation for plant food and should be dug in at early Spring. Keep a compost heap. Buy 'The Vegetable Expert' by Dr Hessayon from a garden centre. It is so quick and easy to refer to, has all the basics and even comments on varieties. Heavy Bsoil is particularly suited to the cabbage family and potatoes. For a beginner broad beans, runner beans, lettuce, swiss shard, carrots, leeks, beetroot and bought in cabbage family plants are easy. Think about holidays though. There aren't many things you can leave unattended for 10days in the summer, what with watering and pests. Why not put red and white currant bushes ia a border as shrubs. The grow like weeds and are delicious. A blackberry or loganberry type fruit can be grown along fence panels. The taste of all compared with bought stuff was to me a revelation, commercial growing does noyt have flavour as it's first priority. Never be discouraged, all things have good and bad years and it teaches little ones the realities of life. Oh and don't worry too much about insectitides. A teaspoon full of washing up liquid in a pint of water kills greenfly instantly!

Answer 3

What we did back on the farm was to simiply wash them(the seeds) and then let them dry and next planting season, we planted them.. Just prior to planting them, we lightly filed off the edges of the seeds.... and planted them.. Filing off the edges(not the ends) helps water to get into the seed when it is planted and helps the plant inside the seed to come out better

Answer 4

Don't bother. Chances are these are hybrid pumpkins and the seeds will not come true. You will be disappointed with the results. Buy a packet of seeds in spring, or a couple of starts from a greenhouse.