How to save Pumpkin seeds.

You might have the perfect pumpkin or a beautiful heirloom, save the seeds this year so you can grow a crop for next year. Fun or frugal, harvesting the seeds is easy to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean envelopes.
• A cool dry place to store seeds until next year.
• Colander.
• Paper towels.
• Pumpkins, gourds, or squash that you want to save seeds from.

1. After you've cut open the pumpkin for decorations or for cooking, remove the seeds and pulp.

2. Hand separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse the seeds with cool water and let them drain in a colander or on the paper towels for a day.

3. In a cool area with a little room, spread the seeds out in a single layer on fresh paper towels. Let the seeds completely dry or cure for 1 month.

4. Label your envelope (I like small manila envelopes for storing seeds). Note the kind of squash and the year. Store the seeds in the envelope, keeping them cool and dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can expect an excellent germination rate.
• Start out with large and healthy pumpkins, squash, or gourds.
• Some hybrid varieties don't come true from seed, but you'll never know until you try.

[ceholmes]

on 10/13/2009 very cool, I love pumpkin seeds! 5*

[SeventhSibling]

on 9/2/2008 It's so fun to collect seeds for planting. My issue is remembering where I put the seed envelopes when spring approaches. Thanks for the tip!

[dsarokin]

on 8/20/2008 Perfect timing. I'm growing pumpkins this year, and will set aside a few seeds (but only a few...I love to roast and eat 'em) for growing next season. Thanks.

[Susanh]

on 8/17/2008 My dad does this every year and it works beautifully! 5*****

[Cherst1031]

on 8/16/2008 Will try this, if the seeds don't all go into the skillet with olive oil and salt :)