How do you plant the pumpkin seeds?

Counting_Pennies_2

Hi all,

I have saved the pumpkin seeds when carving it out, and wondered how I go about planting the seeds, as it would be great to grow some for next year.

How many do I need to plant, I have about 50 seeds. Do I need to leave much space in between, and how much space do I need to save in the flower bed for it to grow.

Thanks

Icemaiden

Fantastic question OP as I have done the same:T also could we ask when would be the best time to plant them?

Addiscomber

I would gently wash any pulp from the seeds with cold water, then lay them on kitchen roll to dry off. Keep them cool and dry throughout the winter in a paper envelope. They need warmth to grow so probably singly in pots on a warm windowsill next April would be the way to go (they may need extra warmth to start them off, but not once the shoot is visible). They should not be planted outside until all risk of frost is over, which probably means the end of May. If you only have basic facilities (ie no greenhouse) it would be a big mistake to start them off too early as they grow like the clappers once they get going and starve in the pots. The plants can get quite big, 3 to 4 ft across, and they are nutrient and water hungry. Some varieties can be trailed around between other plants so seem to take less space, but will still need feeding and watering.

bingobango_3

When should you plant pumpkin seeds? Just hollowed one out and we have a few (wet) seeds we fancy planting (or do you need to dry the seeds out?). How long does it take to grow a pumpkin?
Thanks!

Ted_Hutchinson

Wrong time of year. No reason why you shouldn't let them dry out, put them in an envelope and keep till next year.
Growing pumpkins If you get them started in April in pots and plant out in May they should be fine.
I've grown from home saved seed without problems. They may not be exactly as the original buy they'll be good enough.

bingobango_3

thanks Ted, that's great (and fast reply!)

sallywl

We will be growing our own next yr, wanted to this yr but not enough room as we live in rented accommodation and can only grow stuff in pots on the patio but moving soon so fingers crossed.

Strepsy

They're great fun to grow. These are from a 29p variety pack from Lidl. Kids have loved them over Halloween.

mirakl

They are great fun to grow but one thing I'll say is unless you're growing them for the fun it's not terribly moneysaving. Asda were selling the big orange pumpkins from £1 and by the time you go to the hassle of storing them and using compost, fertiliser, etc it probably doesn't save any money.

This isn't stoppng me from growing my own, I'm doing it for my own enjoyment.

sallywl

yeh its fun to grow ur own food and tastes better too,

sallywl

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

Wrong time of year. No reason why you shouldn't let them dry out, put them in an envelope and keep till next year.
Growing pumpkins If you get them started in April in pots and plant out in May they should be fine.
I've grown from home saved seed without problems. They may not be exactly as the original buy they'll be good enough.

Do u leave the seeds in the husks??