From

Location

Message

Date Posted

No. Stonington, CT

i just collected about 150 seeds from my first time growing a big pumpkin. it only weighed 150 pounds but thats perfectly fine with me, somethin to try and beat next year, anyway my question is, is there a proper way to dry the seeds?

11/21/2004 1:00:25 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I keep the bleach to 10% for nothing more than a quick swish using a colander that my wife hated & I rescued from the garbage.

I use a large frame mounted piece of quarter inch hardware cloth but window screens work well too.

After 3 days with a fan & the dehumidifier, I vigorously agitate the seeds to dislodge the skins. Some folks who skip this measure sometimes report black or red molds growing on the seed surface. This is fun & messy as rubbing the seeds between both hands sends skins flying all over the place.

I agree with Lisa that 3 weeks is enough if the humidity is right. I strive to keep it below 70%.

11/21/2004 2:45:17 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

An old trick,rub the seeds in front of a fan, this part of seed drying will go faster and cleaner.

11/21/2004 8:24:37 PM

Indiana

a dehydrator works wonders two days tops. although i still leave them out unsealed for a couple more weeks just in case.

11/21/2004 9:17:53 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

does anybody know if you get a little surface mildew if the seed is still viable?

11/22/2004 12:05:37 PM

Western NY

seed should still be viable.

i never wash them in anything. i just spread them out and let them dry out well. i usually pick the skins off when i'm watching tv or something. after they're "skinned", i let them dry out really good for a week or so, then package them up.

11/22/2004 12:16:10 PM