How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Growing

Patience is the key to starting your own pumpkin seeds.

Everyone loves to be able to pick out a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch come October, and picking one that you grew yourself is even better. Starting your own pumpkins from seed takes a little attention and time; however, the result at the end is worth it. Depending on the variety, pumpkins can take up to 150 days to grow from start to finish. To ensure a better chance of growth and a heartier crop, prepare the seeds indoors all the way through germination before planting.

Things You'll Need

• Pumpkin seeds
• Nail file
• Warm water
• Germination pots
• Starter mix or homemade compost mix

Instructions

1. Shave the edges of each pumpkin seed with a nail file to allow the seed to take in more moisture and sprout easier. File each side except the pointed tip. Do this with all types of pumpkin seeds including smaller sized ones.

2. Fill a small bowl or bucket with warm water (warm tap water is the perfect temperature). Soak the seeds in the water for at least two hours. Plant the seeds directly in your pumpkin patch, or germinate indoors. If germinating indoors, place the seeds on damp paper towels while you prepare your germinating pots.

3. Mix together a composted soil or purchase a seed starter mix from your local gardening store. To make your own compost mix, combine organic compost with fire ash peat. Fill each pot with about 2 inches of the soil mix, and plant each seed pointy-side down about one inch down. Only plant one seed per pot. Water enough to saturate but not drown.

4. Place the pots in a warm windowsill or near a heat source such as a warm spot in the kitchen or on a table in the living room near the hearth. A heat source at the bottom is ideal, so consider purchasing a germination mat from a garden supply store.

5. Wait seven to ten days for the seeds to germinate. Once they are fully sprouted you can plant the seeded sprouts in the garden and begin the growing process.

References

• Pumpkin Nook: Pumpkin Seed Germination
• The Gardener's Network: How to Grow Pumpkins