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Rush, NY

I used to file the edges of seeds, but it is more work than what an Old-Timer told me about 12 years ago. With your thumb nail carefully break small pieces from the seeds tip until you can see the tip inside that the root will sprout from. I have been doing this for 12 years and haven't ruined a seed. The seeds are soaked before planting and usually emerge in 3 to 5 days. Place the seeds in the soil "flat" and the seed casing stays in the soil. If you put them in the soil with the sprout end down, many emerge with the seed casing still attached.

2/22/2001 6:57:43 PM

Western Pa.

HEY YOU KIDS OUT THERE!

Pay attention to what this man says, he is a gentleman and a record holding professional!

2/22/2001 9:47:01 PM

Midway City, California

Kil,

I am 64 yrs old and not a kid any more can I still listen to him. I was getting ready to test a few seeds and will use the method described by Len. This will be my third year of growing Big Pumpkins

Thanks John = Water

2/23/2001 12:41:27 PM

Western Pa.

Water,
You,re only as old as you feel, bud! (I wasn't using the word "kid" in a negative manner!) I only wanted to point out that Len has probably forgotten more than we'll ever know about growing the "Bigun"! This man has done an admirable "BUNCH" for our sport, hobby, or whatever you may call it, including devising the pumpkin weight estimation charts! I think I speak for the owners of this site, Ken and John, as well as myself, when I heartily welcome any information that Len is willing to share with us.

Thanks Len!


kilr

2/23/2001 4:47:15 PM

Connecticut, USA

Be sure to check out the two article Len has in the How-To section of the site.

2/24/2001 8:12:29 AM

walton n.y.

that's true i met len s.and he knows gardening end of story pumpkins are his specalty when i spoke with him i listened to every word and watched every movement of his hands he gave me a few pointers and was happy to speak with a great grower

2/25/2001 6:20:51 PM

Rush, NY

I just received an E-mail from a grower who planted a seed flat and it emerged with the seed casing attached. He asked for an estimate of what percent of mine come up that way. Its a rare occurence. I plant about 10 Giant type and 50 Burpee Prizwinners that way every year in my 7'x 9'Cold frame and I can't recall the last time one emerged with the seed casing attached. This may be the difference. I'm planting about 1.5 inches deep in the field and the soil is much heavier than potting soil. Many potting soils are very light and may not grip the seed casing enough. If you are using a light weight potting soil, be sure the seed is at least 1.5 inches deep and pat the soil down over the seed.

3/8/2001 4:54:48 AM

Midway City, California

Hi, I planted 4 test seeds flat and about 1-1/4 deep in light potting soil and they all came up within three days of planting. I removed the dirt from around one plant to look for the seed casing. The seed casing was still attached to the root end and appeared to have inbedded itself into the stem about 1/32 inch. Before planting I removed the edges of the seed casing with my finger nail
( but am not sure that I removed enough at the root end) then soaked them in warm water for about 4 hours before planting. ????? Will the casing stay attached to the root end and could it cause damage? Water = john

3/8/2001 4:52:32 PM

Rush, NY

Water, 1/32 inch is a very small amount and if the root went down normally I don't think what you found is a problem. As the size of the stem increases I think the casing will come off. If the main root was in the casing, you have a problem.

3/9/2001 6:10:01 AM