Don’t waste those seeds from your Jack O Lanterns. Save seeds from your fall pumpkins! Whether you grow your own pumpkins or buy them from the pumpkin patch you can learn how to save pumpkin seeds for planting. It’s easier than you think!
How to Save Pumpkin Seeds
- Wait until the pumpkins are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the pumpkins are not ripe.
- Cut the pumpkins open and scoop out the seeds.
- Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or juice.
- Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
- Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
How to Carve a Jack O Lantern here!
More details about each step:
- Wait until the pumpkins are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the pumpkins are not ripe. The seeds will be easier to remove and will be more likely to germinate if the pumpkins are fully ripe.
- Rinse the seeds under cold water. This will help to remove any pulp or juice that may be on the seeds.
- Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry. The seeds need to be completely dry before they can be stored. Spread them out in a single layer so that they can dry evenly.
- Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing pumpkin seeds is 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator or freezer is a good option.
Save Pumpkin Seeds by Roasting:
- You can also save pumpkin seeds by roasting them. To do this, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once the seeds are cool, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- When you are ready to plant the seeds, sow them about 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Pumpkin seeds need full sun and well-drained soil. They will germinate in about 7-10 days.
- Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that they are about 2 feet apart. Water the seedlings regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
- Pumpkins are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe. The skin should be hard and the flesh should be orange. Cut the pumpkins from the vine and store them in a cool, dry place.
If you want to be wild and crazy you can let your Pumpkin rot in the place you want to grow Pumpkins next year. More often than not those seeds will overwinter and sprout as soon as the weather is perfect! Growing pumpkins is a rewarding experience. It’s fun to watch them grow from seed to harvest! Then to be able to display them Is like icing on the cake!
Happy Gardening!
