How to Save Gourd Seeds
Vegetables in the Cucurbita family with hard shells are known as gourds. Most gourds are grown for their ornamental qualities. Saving seeds from gourds saves money, letting you grow them again the following year. Only grow seeds from non-hybrid varieties, as hybrid seeds do not produce plants true to the originals. Gourds readily cross-pollinate between different varieties of squash, so only plant one variety in your garden if you are planning to save seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Allow the gourds to ripen fully on the vine. Pick them once they reach their full, mature color and the rind begins to harden.
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Store the gourds in a cool, dry place so they finish ripening off the vine. Place them in an outdoor shed, garage or basement.
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Shake the gourds after two weeks of storage. Seeds are ready for harvest once they begin rattling around inside.
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Cut off the bottom of the gourd with a serrated knife. Shake the seeds out and into a large bowl, and remove any dried gourd pieces or chaff that fell out with the seeds.
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Spread the seeds on a layer of newspaper, and let them dry in a cool room for two weeks. After the seeds are dried, store them in a sealed jar kept in a cool location.
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Tips & Warnings
Gourd seeds are viable for up to three years.
Save seeds from pulpy gourds by placing both the seeds and attached pulp in a jar to ferment. The seeds will separate from the pulp after a few days.
Store seeds in jars in the refrigerator. Place a small cloth bag filled with powdered milk in the jar to absorb any excess moisture.
Keep seeds away from moisture and sunlight, which may cause the seeds to break dormancy before you are ready to plant them.
