How to Save Heirloom Pumpkin Seeds to Replant
Heirloom pumpkins are varieties of seeds have been passed down for many generations. They often look different from the traditional round shape seen at grocery stores in the fall and many of them have colors other than orange. If you have an heirloom pumpkin, even if you purchased it from a store, you can save the seeds and grow your own next year. The most important step in saving pumpkin seeds is drying them thoroughly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place the heirloom pumpkin on a flat surface and cut the top off using a sharp kitchen knife. If the heirloom pumpkin is relatively small, you can just cut straight across the top horizontally. If it is larger, you will need to cut vertically at an angle around the stem, as if you are creating a jack-o-lantern.
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Scoop the seeds from the inside of the heirloom pumpkin using your hands or a spoon if you find it easier. Avoid scooping out too much pulp along with the seeds. Place the seeds into a large bowl.
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Fill the bowl 3/4 full of cold water and use your hands to wash the remaining pulp off the seeds thoroughly. Lay the cleaned seeds on top of a paper towel.
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Blot the top of the heirloom pumpkin seeds with another paper towel to dry them off as much as possible. Transfer the seeds to a piece of wax paper. Spread them out as much as possible and allow them to dry overnight.
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Move the wax paper to a baking sheet and place the sheet in a cool, dry location. Allow it to remain there for four to six weeks until the seeds no longer feel rubbery or flexible.
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Scoop up the seeds and place them into an envelope with the name of the pumpkin variety written on it. Store the envelope in a cool, dark location until the next summer.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pumpkin seeds are not completely dry before storing, they will develop mold. If your seeds develop mold, throw them away.
