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Webster, NY

In the how to section of bigpumpkins.com, there is an article on advanced seed starting by Joe Ailts. To see if my seeds this year were viable, I tried starting few by this method. The endosperm began to open within 12 hours and root formation began within 36 hours. It was a little diffecult getting the seed coat removed without damaging the inside, but all the seeds I tried germinated fine.

I don't know if others have tried this method, but if you have a lot of extra seeds hanging around, it's a nice winter activity to try and see what you think.

11/18/2001 7:35:14 PM

Cologne / Germany

You´re right. On top of the monitor showing me this site, an AG seed from a local store (they offer Howard Dill seeds now in Germany) that was prepared 10 minutes ago is waiting for tomorrow. A few parts of the endospherme were lost, but - it´s only an experiment. Maybe a nice plant on Christmas.....)

11/28/2001 8:44:19 AM

Cologne/Germany

Now it´s Dec 1st, 5´o clock in the mornig over here. The Ag seed from the top of the monitor has a very solid 3mm root established at the tip. The other one (curcubita maxima) from another pair of pre-sold seeds as well. It´s not filigrane, it´s really solid.
Now they are in the soil with the tip (root) downwards. Just slightly covered with planting soil containing Guano. Sorry no photos at this time, but something will follow.
Now pots are on the the normal room heater wich never provides a solid temperature (variation is between many degrees, so don´t rely on it), but always around 80 F.
I think it´s very late, but more has happended than expected. So I will cover the pots with plastic now to make an effort for growing. After "coming-out" from soil I will definetly try the "deeper root-growing manual" from BP´s "how-to".
Two other seeds which were just filed at the edges are now treated in he the same way. Let´s see what happens. It´s nothing at all within the season, but it´s a good time for indoor experiments.
By the way, the beginning of that story based on "the advanced seed starting method" over here, wich I never believed in before, but now....a pumpkin might be a not-so-difficult-plant to grow. Just do it, even in December!

11/30/2001 11:43:29 PM

Eagan,Minnesota

I tried it with one of the seeds from pumpkin i had......It took 15 hours to sprout a root!!!!!!!!

12/1/2001 3:19:00 PM

Greencastle, PA

now that's fast.
Tom

12/1/2001 6:26:16 PM

Connecticut, USA

Make sure you don't cover the vent holes on your monitor.

12/2/2001 4:28:03 PM

Cologne / Germany

My neighbour Joerg who posted above continued my experiment because I was off for the weekend. He let the filed seeds soak for 6 hours, then placed them in small transparent plastic boxes stuffed with watered cotton wool.
Hey, that´s a good idea I remember from school! Much better than towels. Seedlings can remain inside the wool after germinating and even be put into soil so you don´t need to touch a single root. Seeds took around 24 hours to "explode" from their covers.
For me it´s the better experience because you´re not in danger to damage the seeds.

12/3/2001 9:35:33 AM

Webster, NY

24 hours is pretty good. I had fun with the "advanced" method, when I had a lot of seeds to play with. If it was a rare, hard to get seed, I'm not sure I would take the chance.

12/3/2001 10:31:48 AM

Cologne / Germany

We´ve turned off the pumpkin growing lights for "security reasons" that night. They appeared to take off from the soil like cruise missiles.
Following the idea of the deeper root growing manual on BP: When do the seedlings take the time to establish roots if they spent most of their energy to rise towards the light?

12/4/2001 8:59:03 PM

Deer Park, WI

Thanks to those of you who have tried my method!! It is exciting to read about your experiences. I used this method with excellent success last year, and will continue to use it in the future. This practice, combined with the "deep rooting" method (which can be found on this site) is a great way to get your seeds started.

12/5/2001 8:34:18 AM

Ohio

i did it for a repor at school

12/6/2001 6:56:02 PM

walton n.y.

i tried it as well about 24 hours and the root was close to 1/2 inch long 2 years ago i filed them then soaked them for a few hours planted them in 80 degree soil and 36 hours later had seed leaves above soil level this year did the same thing 6 days will try the advanced method for next year after i practice a bit more

12/6/2001 7:42:13 PM

Cologne / Germany

Don´t put too much "helpers" like fertilizer, root stimulators at once. I´ve lost the two seedlings in the cotton wool, they stopped to grow and look weak. Examination and report will follow.

12/11/2001 3:41:11 AM