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Erin, Wisconsin

I am getting out of the field pumpkin this year, but my father in law wants to put in a good size field for the deer to eat late in the year. I still have a 1lb bag of Connecticut field pumkins and a 1/4 lb of Big max left from last year. I bought them from sustainable seed company. Although the germination rate might be lower than the 90% they gave last year, would these seeds still be good to plant this year? They were stored this winter in a dry spot at room temperature. Any guess what the germination rate might drop to this year, meaning would I have a significant drop or minimal enough to just put 5 or 6 seeds in each mound instead of 3-4? Thoughts are greatly appreciated.

3/1/2015 12:19:41 PM

Ann Arbor, Mi

I've grown field pumpkins for over 35 years. I have few troubles with seeds which have been stored in dry basement for up to 4 years.

3/1/2015 1:28:14 PM

Princeville, IL

You shouldn't loss much in one year. it is my experience it takes a couple years longer at room temp to really affect germination. I store all my seeds in the refrigerator and ones that I don't plan on using for a while in the freezer. They will stay good for a long time that way. I raise commercial pumpkins and have seeds over five years old that were stored in refrigeration that germinate fine.

3/1/2015 1:28:41 PM

Erin, Wisconsin

Awesome. Thanks guys. Good to know I can still get use out of the leftover seeds

3/1/2015 1:41:28 PM

Bethlehem CT

Yeah ditto to what was said above, I don't even question the viability of seeds until we start talking around 3-4 years old. Even then it is usually good, I just plant on the heavy side.

3/1/2015 5:54:20 PM