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Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

My daughters science teacher would like to put try growing giant pumpkins and sunflower in the class garden this summer. I know it’s late, but my daughter showed her pictures of pumpkins I grew 15 year ago. And she was want to try them. The only seeds I have are 14 or 15 years old. I’m not sure she could start them. I’m hoping someone had had a few seeds of each I could get my hands on for her. Thanks.

4/25/2023 8:49:21 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

she might not be able to start them..but a science teacher...maybe could
hmmm...ultrasonic soak, gibberelic acid...do you have enough of your seeds for the teacher to attempt?

4/25/2023 9:07:57 PM

Syracuse, NY

I'm pretty sure that an assortment of seeds all clearly marked with a Sharpie would lend themselves well
to being in a ZipLoc bag with a tablespoon of water...Boiinnggg, maybe.
Laid out flat on a sunny surface in a school window?
Lotta (little?) buggers all leaning in close to see?
Maybe in individual little ZipLocs to keep any problems from becoming universal.

Else, Jiffy Mix Natural and Organic for Seed Starting,
12 dry quarts with 1/3 Gallon H2O (no more) and 1/2 cup of
Holland's or similar Mycorrhizal Inoculant roughly, harshly mixed in, in a bucket.
...wishing now I had tried that 'Back to the Roots' seed starting mix with Myco
I've had for a month so I could recommend that as well, all set to go!
In any event, at 88-92 degrees, preferentially.

Anyway, just tossing things out there -
What is the final size expected?

I am trying to up my PBs of my own seeds this year as a mandate and I just
put together another dozen plastic starting cups - I have NO doubts they will all
sprout from as far back as 2008 and I HAVE started, in '22, my 301.5s...from '05.
No need to reply to me in particular but you can go here below and see if you like
let's say just the BELOW types altogether if they meet your carefully-matched criteria.
(I wouldn't wanna send you any that I'm not sure have potential beyond what I'VE accomplished.)

Free, for YOU, for Pumpkin Fun's sake, this time around.

4/26/2023 2:38:36 AM

Syracuse, NY

I'd be thinking 3 of each type would be good unless there is a higher requirement;
My 178 and 443 almost SHOOT out of the seed coats -
hence, I'll be starting those last, lol.

https://www.worldclassgardening.com/grower/eric_gerry

NO sweat if not interested. It's totally up to you---eric g

EG Recommendations (Higher # = Higher Rec. for PB):

1---545.8 Gerry 2020 (142.6 seed that grew it) (two on plant; perhaps bigger if only one?)

2---188 Gerry 2010 (pictured was 540.6 PB and oranger has occurred)

3---576 Gerry 2020 (245 seed that grew it) (just grew right along - only had to turn the fruit a little!)

4---443 Gerry 2015 (pictured was 498 lbs; usually grows super-orange; PB 648.5)

5---178 Gerry 2014 (pictured was Est. @ 700 PB and is an aggressive plant)

They are all example fruits of the seeds in question.

Sprouting all crosses and planting one of each would be so cool for ANY grower, including me, lol---

I only have actual business envelopes at the moment, for the seeds themselves,
but plenty of bubble roll and manila ones!

pumpkinpal@msn.com

if interested.

If not, then of course, Good Luck!

eric gerry

4/26/2023 2:38:59 AM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

Eric, thank you so much for the offer. I have plenty of seeds. I gave her a large selection of seeds from between 2007 to 2009. there seems to be a lot of information on growers starting older seed. so she is going to give them a shot. thank you

5/4/2023 10:22:48 AM

Syracuse, NY

Okay, good! I forgot all about this and sent a bunch of seeds elsewhere, not that that affects anything, lol!
If you change your mind, I and my seeds are still where I'm at.
I recommend a 1-2-hour total-immersion soak in 3% H2O2 for seeds that are numerous before starting. It has never hurt over here.
GOOD LUCK and take care---eric g

5/4/2023 2:18:08 PM