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Down South

I dont want to clog up the message boards(this is my second thread) but I am relatively inexperienced and I want to know if the way I started my pumpkin(and squash) seeds was all right.

I filed the edges of the seeds with a nail file down to the light brown area, but not through it

I soaked the seeds for 1-3 hours in plain water

I placed the seeds in moist paper towels and folded the towels, placing the towels on small plastic plates

I realize that there are some things I could have done to help it, such as soaking the seeds in a mixture for a while, but will my method likely produce sprouted seeds? Thank you all

2/17/2004 9:06:00 PM

Eugene, OR

I'm just a noob myself, but I've had good luck with the method you used. The only thing I did different was soak the seeds in a hydrogen peroxide/water mixture for a few hours and used a heating pad to provide the right temp for faster germination.

Other more experienced growers will chime in, but I think around 80-90 degrees is about the optimum temperature for seed germination. Placing your moist paper towel in a ziploc bag should help keep the seed moist.

Many growers also use a powdered fungicide to prevent mildew and rot but I've never had any problems so far. Just keep them moist...not wet and you should be fine.

Welcome aboard!!

Brian

2/17/2004 10:05:33 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

A heating device will help. Just don't let it get so hot you cook the seeds. I think 85*F at the seed seems about right. Maybe 5* less. Some folks go for higher but I ran into trouble in the off season doing that last winter.

2/17/2004 10:38:51 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

If you file too much it *can* cause cotyledon funkiness (lack of a better term)
I did that last year with my first batch and all the cots sprouted stunted and deformed.
My second batch I soaked only and they came up normal. Can't be a coincidence....

2/17/2004 11:40:02 PM

Montoursville, PA

You may look in my diary for a neat-o germination box you can come up with at little or no expense.

2/18/2004 3:14:33 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Sam, Be sure and place those wet paper towels in ziploc
baggies to maintain some moisture level and not dry out.
Made that mistake already !

2/18/2004 6:01:27 PM

Down South

will do about the ziploc bags. but should they be open or closed, or some combination of the two?

2/18/2004 9:36:24 PM

Webster, NY

Here is a picture of what I do. It might not be perfect, but it works for me.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=7404

2/20/2004 1:56:10 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Sam, Keep the bag closed so the towles don't dry out. You can usually hold the baggie up to a light to see if things are happening yet. Good luck.
Duff

2/20/2004 7:57:32 PM

Down South

Well, I got the answer I needed. The little seeds are developing radicles as I speak. Thanks to everyone for all the advice

2/20/2004 10:04:57 PM