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Location

Message

Date Posted

France

I've put pumpkins seeds into a wet towel paper then in a zipbag at 86°F. If my seeds will germinate, could I plant it in a pot ? Thanks for giving advises to a newer grower.
Chris

4/17/2011 3:49:43 AM

Minnesota

Yes, that is the idea behind it. You are suppose to lightly file the sides of the seeds, soak for a few hours, in damp paper towel, in a baggie, when sprouted place in pot.
Richard Brouillard

p.s. if you go to the homepage then to links, scroll down to european giant vegetable growers, there is probably alot of good info there.

4/17/2011 4:29:27 AM

France

Thanks Richard,
I do like this. Then I suppose we have to plant the seeds tip down. Thanks for answer

4/17/2011 4:37:19 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Plant them side ways so the seed is parallel with the soil surface. This way the emerging seedling will shed the pumpkin seed shell when it pops the surface.

4/17/2011 9:00:06 AM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Perhaps a 'Growers Choice" putting them in parallel, but as a newbie myself, my next seeds to germinate will be done that way! We'll see which I like best! I've had very good luck the horizontal method. BSD, David

4/17/2011 10:03:23 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I didn't like the paper towel method myself because the sprouted root would often shoot in a 180 or completely the wrong way towards the top of the seed. It was probably something I was doing wrong.

4/17/2011 11:35:40 AM

Muddy Waters

I like the pots 17 for 18 in 3 1/2 days

4/17/2011 6:13:27 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

couple years back, I tried the paper towel thing, and guessin they started sproutin just after I left for work, and by the time I got home, the little roots were growin thru the paper towel? Now what,? Do I unfold the paper towel & damage roots? I now file, soak (approx 2 hrs.) and put em in 1 gallon containers, in germ chamber!!!At controlled temps! I also now...stick my seed in at a 45 degree angle, point down of course...hoping to encourage root growth downward, and a lil help w/ seed shell rejection!! Peace, Wayne

4/19/2011 2:28:53 AM

Portland, Or.

Practice practice practice.
Pick a technique & go with it

4/20/2011 1:20:32 AM

Ashby, MA

I'm new to this hobby as well and I practiced over the winter and it took about 2 months before I got the paper towel method to work 100% of the time. You either have an issue with too much water (paper towel is too wet) or too much heat (need to raise the bag up off the heat some). Once I dialed in the right steps it works like a charm. After ~40 hours my seeds are starting to sprout. I don't wait too long or the sprout could grow into the towel. Like CEIS PDX said, keep practicing and you'll get it.

Another key to this is having a good heat source. I bought a small germination mat online for about $25 and it works great.

4/21/2011 8:49:10 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

gpierce, you nailed it IMHO...figure out what works for you, and stick w/ it!!! Practice, till it's perfect!! Lot's of varieties work, I read tonite about folks germinating in their oven!!! Light on,oven off, door closed... and stays at a constant 90 F!!! Go figure!!! Key to this is a quote "Once I dialed in the right steps it workes like a charm" !! Peace, Wayne

4/21/2011 11:39:03 PM