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South Dakota

I saved about a hundred seeds from a pumpkin I grew in 2018 and I have not been able to get a single seed to germinate. Zero for 18. This pumpkin was selfed, can inbreeding make all the seeds bad in some cases? Other seed lots have germinated fine in the same conditions. Any thoughts? I have kept the seeds in the refrigerator and they all are goods sized and colored? Bad seed lot?

5/7/2020 8:34:18 AM

Central NY

Could have turned out to be a sterile pumpkin. It happens.

5/7/2020 9:07:22 AM

Bethlehem CT

Normally sterile or undeveloped seeds will look different from the outside but really the only part that matters is that the cotyledons are developed inside the seed. Sterile seeds will have cotyledons that will be thin or practically non existent inside the seed. The seed will also feel lighter when holding it. Some times they look OK on the outside and are crap on the inside. (usually the outside appears half developed too)
Years ago I remember hearing some growers would drop them onto a hard table and they could tell by the sound if the seed was developed or not on the inside. I just split them in half and have a look. If there is a lot of air space in the seed that is a sign of an undeveloped seed. I don't think it has to do with inbreeding or anything like that. Like Porkchop says "it happens".

5/7/2020 11:19:13 AM

Colorado

Yep they can look viable and have a seed germ in them and none will start.Ive had a couple promising crosses in the last few years that wouldnt sprout. It happens

5/7/2020 4:29:49 PM