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Fairport,NY

I've already seen Posts regarding poor seed germination starting success from the other side of the Globe, just starting their season off. I think we should start a thread with successful reliable ways different growers are using with great consistent success rates of seed germination? I'm sure their are lots of different methods so lets here them?

10/30/2007 5:03:57 PM

Minnesota

I file them, soak in 1/2 water, 1/2 hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours, place them in a paper towel wet folded 4 times (I think) place them in a cake pan that is on top of a heating pad with a reptile light on top, for 2 1/2 days at the most.

10/30/2007 5:57:12 PM

Carrollton, Ga.

I like to sand the edges of my seeds, just until they change color. I don't touch the pointed end where the root comes out. Then I soak the seeds in plain water for 4 to 8 hrs. Then I wet a paper towel and squeeze the water out. Put seeds on wet towel and fold it over. Put this in a zip lock bag and close. I put the bag in a place where it is 85 degrees. I use a heat mat with a thermostat. Most of the the time I will have germination in 24 hrs or a little longer. Some people don't like this method, but I have had good luck with it. I don't care for the advanced method since I get germination usually in a day or so. I don't want to take a risk of messing up a seed getting the seed coat off. You can read about the advanced method and one other method in the how to section on the front page of big pumpkins. take care, doug john 3:16

10/30/2007 6:01:55 PM

Carrollton, Ga.

I like to sand the edges of my seeds, just until they change color. I don't touch the pointed end where the root comes out. Then I soak the seeds in plain water for 4 to 8 hrs. Then I wet a paper towel and squeeze the water out. Put seeds on wet towel and fold it over. Put this in a zip lock bag and close. I put the bag in a place where it is 85 degrees. I use a heat mat with a thermostat. Most of the the time I will have germination in 24 hrs or a little longer. Some people don't like this method, but I have had good luck with it. I don't care for the advanced method since I get germination usually in a day or so. I don't want to take a risk of messing up a seed getting the seed coat off. You can read about the advanced method and one other method in the how to section on the front page of big pumpkins. take care, doug john 3:16

10/30/2007 6:01:58 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Please check out this tutorial I made. Note that the 10% hydrogen peroxide is 10% of the mix I make, but its not pure hydrogen peroxide, its 3% solution (so really .03% hydrogen peroxide total).

http://anubis.pointclark.net/germination/index.html

10/30/2007 6:41:49 PM

Somers, CT

I have had better luck (Skip the sanding part, see above) soaking them in water, planting them in a pot half way and keeping a cheap industrial 100w light on them. I can do 4 per light. Watch the temp and it works every time. Used to use the baggie with paper towel until a burned a bunch up or they molded. I do use a pair of flourescent grow lights nice and low once they sprout.

10/30/2007 7:40:51 PM

Rapid City, SD

never had one not germ for me yet

10/30/2007 7:49:21 PM

Minnesota

woops, forgot to mention into a plastic baggie.

10/30/2007 7:55:19 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I think the key number one vital thing you need is to get an actual thermometer and stick it in your soil (if you're using soil) to the depth of the seed and make absolutely sure that it's at 85 to 90 degrees. I think a lot of folks "think" they are getting the soil warm enough, but in reality they are not.

All seeds have a temperature at which they germinate. Giant pumpkin seeds need 85 to 90 degrees and just a little moisture, and then you're good to go. All inexperienced growers should practice on some common seed during the winter and learn what works.

10/30/2007 9:54:21 PM

Lloydminster/AB

Most problems occur because the soil is too moist. I started to experiment with moisture amounts one winter and found that seed starter mix has enough moisture right out of the bag to germinate seeds. I have never risked adding the extra moisture to the seed by soaking and can see no benefit other than quickness to germinate. I would rather it take a day longer instead of rotting and I have rotted some very good seeds by having my soil too wet.

I have a cooler with a heatmat that is connected to a thermostat set at 90. When the soil in my pots (prewarming inside) reaches the same temp, I plant the seed flat, not pointed down, about half to three quarters of an inch under the soil. Germination takes 3to5 days with this system for me. Don

10/31/2007 1:17:58 AM

Colorado

I file seed edges.soak 6-8 hrs in tap water.Use 15 watt bulp in a standard size cooler with the lid closed.that gets the 80-90 degree range.place seeds in well squeezed out potting soil.Too much moisture is a no no.

10/31/2007 11:23:47 AM

Cornell, Wi

I agree with one dude, I have had 100% success with file soak sand, put in towel, 85 degrees. I dont believe in the advanced method by taken off the coat. It is like trying to help a baby chicken out of its shell, better off letting it happen on its own.

10/31/2007 11:32:02 AM

San Jose [email protected]

i do not think that G P's need 85-90 degrees to germinate, that may be the optimum temp, but not necessary. I like the advanced method, but put direct into your potting soil, and in two to three days you will know if you are successful

11/4/2007 8:26:10 PM