PUMPKIN SEEDS GERMINATION

Pumpkin Seed Germination

Mother Nature has her own way of germinating seed. In the field, she provides warmth and energy from the sun, moisture from the clouds, and nutrients in the soil. Mother Nature also has a way of disappointing us from time to time, by either not bringing one of the essential ingredients essential to seed germination, or she sends too much all at once.

Germination of your pumpkin seeds is a very important first step to a successful, perhaps record breaking season. You can directly sow pumpkin seed into the garden in most areas. You need about 100 - 120 days for most varieties of pumpkins. Giant pumpkins and other giant varieties require 130 to 150 days. People with short growing seasons, or growers pursuing the big one, need to get a jump start on the season, by planting indoors.

If you are growing Atlantic Giants, Big Macs, Prize Winner Hybirds, or other giant pumpkin varieties, the seed coat is quite hard and thick. It makes germination a little more tricky. There are some simple steps included below that you can perform that will help the germination process.

Following the steps below will maximize the likelihood of successful germination. Then, watch your seedlings sprout, as you are on your way to growing big, monster pumpkins and cute little wee ones too!

• Germination - successfully sprouting seedlings
• Seedling Care and Nurturing
• Damping Off Disease
• Planting
• Early Season Care

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Germination - Sprouting Seeds:

The essentials for good pumpkin seed germination are:

• Viable seeds- Good seeds that are not hollow and are not so old, that germination rates are poor.
• Soil - A good, seed starting mixture that is light and sterilized.
• Water- The soil medium should be moist, but not soaked.
• Warmth - Here is where growers can add to their success. The ideal seed starting temperatures are between 80 and 85 degrees farenheit. Seeds can be germinated outside of this range, but the further away from the ideal range, the lower the germination rate.

Step by step instructions to maximize seed germination:

1.    File the edges of the seed lightly with a nail file or a piece of sandpaper. File all edges except the pointed end. This step allows moisture reach the seed easier. Most importantly, filing your seeds makes it easier for the leaves to emerge from the shell without damage. The shell of giant pumpkin seeds are very thick, and the leaves sometimes have difficulty splitting open the shell. To avoid pinched or damaged primary leaves, we recommend filing the edges of the seeds for all giant pumpkins. As a matter of fact, it will aid germination and seedling emergence for hard shelled pumpkin seeds, and other types of seeds, too

2.    Soak the seeds in warm (not hot) water for at least two hours. Some growers soak them for up to 24 hours. We believe 3-6 hours is enough.

3.    Fill six inch peat pots with soil. Use a Seed Starter mix if you are new at growing pumpkins. Experienced growers often make their own starter mix, adding a number of other things. I add a little ash from the fireplace and some compost. Add the compost in the bottom inch or two of the pot, and make sure it is clean of insects.

4.    Plant the seed in the pot, 1"-2" deep. If you plant them any deeper, they may have trouble emerging from the soil.

5.    Place the seed on it's side.

6.    Water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, not wet.

7.    Provide bottom warmth to the seeds. Experienced growers use a germination mat, which improves germination rates, and shortens the time to germination. Once the plant has sprouted, stop the bottom heat, as it can harm the roots.

8.    Now the wait begins! In four to six days the seedling will emerge from the soil. The word "Emerge" is a misnomer. Healthy plants all but explode from the soil, growing at a fast pace, even as a seedling.

9.    The total time to germination may vary. It is usually a week to ten days. If they have not sprouted after ten days, start a second planting.