From

Location

Message

Date Posted

How do you save seeds to grow again. When do you remove them from the pumpkin? Can it be cut off displayed and then used as a source for seeds? Etc. Etc. Thanks

9/21/2000 8:17:18 AM

Commack, NY

you can take the seeds out whenever you wish. however, the longer you wait, the greater your risk that either the pumpkin will rot, or the seeds will germinate inside the cavity. this however depends on how sound any particular pumpkin may be, and the weather and temperature after the fruit is harvested. i held one of my fruits for 3 weeks after the weighoff last year, and it was sort of on the warm side out, only one seed had germinated inside the pumpkin, and it hadn't started to rot yet. some will rot sooner though. after you take the seeds out, you can dry them however you like. some place them on old window screens. i put them on newspaper with a little desk fan blowing on them. in a few days a celophane type material will flake off the seeds. it takes about 3 weeks to dry them. then store them in a cool dark, dry place. i put mine in mason jars with a packet if silica gel to keep the moisture out. good luck,
scott

9/21/2000 8:59:36 AM

Western Pa.

Hi Santa!

I don't recommend this, but last year my 481.5# sat outside all winter, through sun, rain , snow, and ice, and I finally retrieved some seeds after it had melted away into a massive "glop", this was in late January or early February, and every one of the seeds I planted germinated!
None of them had sprouted in the pumpkin. I rinse off and dry mine on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. I put mine in jars with silica crystals also, but rice will also absorb any moisture in the jar.
kilr

9/21/2000 9:36:10 AM

As usual you guys are a great source of help! Thanks and my you pumpkins be bigger and heavier every year!!!

SANTA143

9/21/2000 5:06:23 PM