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stoughton WI

Other growers in your area may start extra plants they wont be using. If you have troubles getting some started. Post on here and chances are some one will be able to help you out.

3/18/2017 5:24:20 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

Thank you for the tip Rick! Hopefully something will sprout soon. :)

3/18/2017 6:20:01 PM

Cincinnati,OH

There are a couple links on seed starting in the "how to" column on the BP homepage.

3/18/2017 7:15:00 PM

Walhalla, ND.

Start with this method, others will chime in and add to this or take away. It worked for me. Last year was my first year.

3/18/2017 11:10:52 PM

Walhalla, ND.

File the edges of the seed lightly with a nail file or a piece of sandpaper. File all edges except the pointed end. This step allows moisture reach the seed easier. Most importantly, filing your seeds makes it easier for the leaves to emerge from the shell without damage. The shell of giant pumpkin seeds are very thick, and the leaves sometimes have difficulty splitting open the shell. To avoid pinched or damaged primary leaves, we recommend filing the edges of the seeds for all giant pumpkins. As a matter of fact, it will aid germination and seedling emergence for hard shelled pumpkin seeds. Some growers skip this step.
1. Soak the seeds in warm (not hot) water for at least two hours. Some growers soak them for up to 24 hours. We believe 3-6 hours is enough.
2. Fill 3 inch peat pots with soil. Use a Seed Starter mix if you are new at growing pumpkins. Experienced growers often make their own starter mix, adding a number of other things. I add a little ash from the fireplace and some compost. Add the compost in the bottom inch or two of the pot, and make sure it is clean of insects.
3. Plant the seed in the pot, 1"-2" deep. If you plant them any deeper, they may have trouble emerging from the soil.
4. Place the seed on it's side. Some growers place them pointed end down.
5. Water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, not wet.
6. Provide bottom warmth to the seeds. Experienced growers use a germination mat, which improves germination rates, and shortens the time to germination. Once the plant has sprouted, stop the bottom heat, as it can harm the roots.
7. Now the wait begins! In four to six days the seedling will emerge from the soil.
8. The total time to germination may vary. It is usually a week to ten days. If they have not sprouted after ten days, start a second planting.

3/18/2017 11:11:06 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

Hobbit, Thank you for the step by step, that is helpful. It is pretty close to what I did. My husband gave me some soil he uses. I have more seeds to sprout. I am going to wait to see if any of these sprout first.

Why do you add ash from the fireplace?

3/19/2017 10:04:37 AM

Walhalla, ND.

You could skip the ash. It's just a method I had googled. Just go with a bag of seed starting soil. Ash can be a valuable source of lime, potassium, and other trace elements though.

3/19/2017 12:04:22 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

I was just curious how it helped. I am going to give these a little longer, still nothing this morning. I'll try again if nothing sprouts.

3/19/2017 12:26:15 PM

Walhalla, ND.

How long has it been?

3/19/2017 1:31:22 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

7 Days today.

3/19/2017 4:13:33 PM

Walhalla, ND.

Do you have any idea how old your seeds are? The temperature should also be around 85 degrees and moist not wet.

3/19/2017 8:33:46 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

A couple I think are from last year and a couple from 2009, I'm not positive. Air temp is around 78, but they are sitting on a heat mat. Maybe I need to come up with a way to keep them warmer. I could try the cooler.

3/19/2017 11:35:50 PM

Walhalla, ND.

My first time growing I didn't have a clue either. I learned most everything from this site and with the help from growers here. Getting the seeds started is relatively easy pick a easy method for that. Getting a soil sample is very important. Adjust your soil based on that while your babysitting your seedlings. As you go if you have questions post them on this site. You may even find the answer to your question in one of the message categories, if not post the ? you'll get lots of answers. Good luck.

3/19/2017 11:43:56 PM

Walhalla, ND.

My first time growing I didn't have a clue either. I learned most everything from this site and with the help from growers here. Getting the seeds started is relatively easy pick a easy method for that. Getting a soil sample is very important. Adjust your soil based on that while your babysitting your seedlings. As you go if you have questions post them on this site. You may even find the answer to your question in one of the message categories, if not post the ? you'll get lots of answers. Good luck.

3/19/2017 11:44:17 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Okay, Maybaby...time for a lesson here...& not trying to be mean or rude in any way!!! Start keeping better records of what you are doing!!!! C'mon now!!! If you grow a Monster pkn & don't have a clue as to what it is? This is the new growers forum, and am trying to help...start keeping records of what you are doing!!! Grow em BIG!!! No one said this is easy!!! Peace, Wayne

4/3/2017 1:18:25 AM

Lewisburg, Ohio

Wait, I know which seed it was... new sprouts today. Posting pics now. :)

4/3/2017 8:50:47 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I write the weight and name of the seed down on a popsicle stick. Like Peace Wayne said, keep good records of everything you do. Most especially when it comes to your pumpkin patch.

4/3/2017 9:55:14 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I know I'll have a few extra in about a month Rick

4/3/2017 10:23:37 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

Ok, I'll write them down. So far the only ones that I've got to sprout are all the same, from the ones you sent. But I'm going to start some more (I hope) and I'll mark them all.

4/3/2017 11:04:22 PM

Lewisburg, Ohio

Oh also, started the seeds in almost all cocoa. My husbands idea since I kept drowning them. They liked it. I put seed starter mix at the bottom of the pots & cocoa at the top.

4/3/2017 11:06:01 PM