[AG-EQ] How to Save Pumpkin Seeds to Plant Next Year

[dogwood farm]

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds
By Erin Huffstetler

When you're carving this year's Halloween Jack-o'-lantern, you can
save the seeds to grow for next year. Pumpkin seeds are easy to save,
in part because they are large and easy to harvest.

For the best results when you grow them next year, first determine
whether your pumpkin is a hybrid. If it is, it won't breed true from
seeds. That big, orange pumpkin may produce seeds that give smaller,
less colorful progeny.

If you planted heirloom or open-pollinated seeds, they are more likely
to give you the same results. If you are buying a pumpkin at a farm or
farmers market, ask the farmer whether or not the pumpkins are
hybrids. For a store-bought pumpkin, you are taking potluck.

Even with seeds from your homegrown heirloom pumpkins, you may see
cross-pollination between pumpkins and squash, such as zucchini. To
enhance your chances of getting true-breeding seeds, save seeds from
three or more of your best pumpkins.

About This Project
Difficulty: Easy
Time required: 30 minutes or less, then three weeks to dry.

What You Need
A pumpkin
A knife
A spoon
A colander
Water
Paper towels or waxed paper
A cookie sheet or screen
A cool, dry place to set them out to dry
Envelope

10 Simple Steps
01 Cut your pumpkin open, and scoop all of the seeds into a colander.

02 Run the colander under cold water to separate the pulp from the seeds.

03 Clean any clinging pulp from the seeds. You don't want any pulp
remaining as it will prevent drying and can lead to mold growth,
rotting the seeds.

04 Line a cookie sheet with paper towels or waxed paper. Some people
prefer waxed paper, so the sticky seeds don't end up stuck to the
paper towel.

05 Once all of the pumpkin seeds are clean, place them on the lined
cookie sheet in a single layer. Separate the seeds from each other,
you don't want them in clumps or touching. This will help them dry
thoroughly on all sides.

06 Place the sheet in a cool, dry place.

07 For the first couple of days, stir them often and turn them over,
so they dry on each side.

08 Continue to allow them to dry for three to four weeks. If you see
any mold, discard the ones that are moldy. But this is also a sign
that your cool, dry place isn't cool and dry enough.

09 Once your seeds are thoroughly dry, place them in an envelope or
brown paper bag. Label it with the date and details about the pumpkin.

10 Store your seed envelope in a cool, dry place until planting time.
Some people keep them in the refrigerator if they don't have another
suitable place.

Tips for Saving Pumpkin Seeds
Unless you're planning on a huge garden, you'll probably end up with
more seeds than you need. Roast your extra pumpkin seeds for a tasty
treat
For the best results, save seeds from heirloom pumpkins. This will
ensure that you end up with pumpkins that look like the one you
started with.

Susan
dogwoodfarm62 at gmail.com