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Location

Message

Date Posted

Fairport,NY

How long will the seeds stay viable after you pick your pumpkin? If one chooses to display it say at a grocery store (room temp) will the seeds be ok for a few weeks.
thanks

9/3/2007 11:34:21 AM

[email protected]

If the pumpkin is in good shape with no rot or holes into the cavity, yes it will last several weeks.

9/3/2007 1:10:17 PM

[email protected]

If it is warm enough, seeds will start to sprout in the store, but you should have some last through that time. It is very strange to open up a fruit that has been on display and have some seeds sprouted already..

9/3/2007 2:04:23 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

So, if you take it off the vine the day before the weigh-off, it stays on the weigh-off site for a week then you get it home so you should take the seeds out as soon as you get it home?

9/3/2007 5:07:24 PM

[email protected]

Sooner is better for seed removal but some pumpkins go on display so if it is kept really cool the fruit can sit for weeks. However if it is warm the seeds can germinate or rot inside.

I'd collect them ASAP if the genetics are important to you.

9/3/2007 6:26:04 PM

Fairport,NY

Thanks for the replys.I really do want to plant a seed from this pumpkin again seeing that I was careful to self it and really think it could be awesome if set on the main. I was approached about displaying it at the local supermarket. Wonder how it would do in the store if I remove the seeds first?
thanks again

9/3/2007 8:51:15 PM

Leicester, NY

Bumkin,
The last few years, I have had a pumpkin on display at the local supermarket (Wegmans in Geneseo) and have not had any problems with the seeds. They usually place the fruit near the entrance where it might be a bit cooler than inside the store. Last year, my 748 was on display for almost a month without any problems.

9/3/2007 9:39:10 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

Remember too that mother nature stores them over winter in that shell so while some may sprout right away, I would expect most to be just fine. I would not take them out before hand because the open pumpkin will not last nearly as long.

9/5/2007 12:36:23 AM

Washington

We have had seeds sprout in stores before. It is hard to keep them cool enough unless they can put it in a cooler at night. Now we cut a plug out of the back or bottom of the pumpkin, remove the seeds then plug it back up. If need be, wooden skewers work to keep the plug in place. We have been able to keep the pumpkins in the stores for several weeks this way without losing seeds. You can also use spray foam insulation to seal the plug off.

9/5/2007 12:51:22 AM

Fairport,NY

Thanks for all the replys.Extremely helpful.

9/5/2007 10:08:49 PM