How to Dry Pumpkin Seeds for Planting

Part of the majesty of gardening is that if you have even one pumpkin, you can use its seeds to create hundreds of others. One single pumpkin can be the beginning of generations of pumpkin farming. So how do you get from this year's pumpkin to next year's seeds? Saving seeds from pumpkins is easy. Pumpkin seeds require little preparation to be ground-ready. In fact, a little preparation and proper storage is all you need.

Things You'll Need

• Pumpkin
• Knife
• Bowl
• Newspaper
• Paper envelope or paper bag

Instructions

1. Cut open the pumpkin. It doesn't matter how you cut it open. If you are going to carve it as part of an autumn decoration, cut it open by making a circular incision in the top, surrounding the stem. Otherwise, cut it in the way that's easiest for you.

2. Use your hands to scoop the pulp and seeds from inside the pumpkin. Place the pulp and seeds into a bowl. Set the pumpkin aside. You can decorate it, or eat it, but you do not need it anymore for this project.

3. Spread the newspaper out on a flat surface, like a counter top or table. Run your fingers through the pulp in the bowl several times to separate the seeds from the pulp. Repeat this process as many times as you need until most of the seeds are free.

4. Begin scooping out the loose seeds and spreading them out on the newspaper. You want them to be in a single layer. If you notice any of the pieces have large strings of pulp attached, remove the pulp. Otherwise, the seeds don't need to be completely clean.

5. Leave the seeds on the newspaper to dry overnight. Do not dry them in the oven if you are going to plant them. This is common misconception, and can ruin germination viability. Only roast seeds you intend to eat.

6. Store the seeds in a paper bag. Plastic bags can create condensation, which can mold or rot your seeds. Paper storage absorbs moisture and increases airflow. Keep seeds in a cool, dark, dry place until time to plant.

Resources

• Pumpkin Growing Tips