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President - GPC

I hear that these are quite hard to get germinated. Interested in learning any secrets or methods. Same techniques as in filing and soaking as with a pumpkin?

1/19/2007 3:25:09 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Use a nail clipper to very carefully chip away at that hard seed coat. Work the pointed end where the radicle will emerge. Just be careful to not break the embryo inside.

1/19/2007 5:10:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

After that treat it the same as an AG seed.

1/19/2007 5:10:41 PM

Syracuse, NY

yeah, start with the two "NUBBIES" opposite from the
radicle (root-end) tip. personally, i prefer to use
TOENAIL clippers because they have a larger radius and
can take a more controlled "bite" outta the edge of the seed. it is like biting the edges off of a cheeseburger,
but you don't need to always snip all the way through...

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=17908

copy this and paste it into your browser window and hit go.
then go to the next few pages.

i'm sure i'll be advertising this method a lot in the
near future. because it works. the long gourd seeds sprout
nearly neck-and-neck timewise with the AG seeds when i use this method.

it might be harder to tell on a LG seed how much needs
to be removed from its edges, if any at all.
be sure to practice on one or two before the prized ones. EG

1/19/2007 6:04:27 PM

Indiana

I dont use clippers I use a emery board or sandpaper.

Steve

1/19/2007 9:42:40 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Wiz I plan on stealing your plants when you plant yours in the patch, better plant extera hahaha Just kidding
Capt

2/22/2007 12:12:35 PM

Butler, Ohio

I've always had good luck just putting the seed in the back of my mouth and biting down til you hear the seed coat break. I've had about 90% germination rates the past 2 years.

2/24/2007 3:35:12 PM