Harvesting & Keeping Pumpkin Seeds

by Brittany Ketcham


pumpkin seeds



Pumpkins are great for carving, eating, baking, planting growing and evening feeding to wildlife!

Did you know that you can keep your seeds to plant the next year? There are a couple of different ways to do this. Once you cut open the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds you can either:

  • Lay them flat on a paper towel and keep them in a window to dry or
  • Clean them to get all of the gunk off, then add them to a jar filled with water and ferment for 3-4 days, then drain.
Either way, be sure to lay them out flat to dry for a few days. Once they are dry you will need put them in an airtight container and then store them in a cool dry place. They will be viable for four years or more!

You can do this with all varieties of pumpkins, but make sure to label your containers so you know what you are planting next year.

NOTE: Make sure the seeds are dry before storing or they will get moldy and will not sprout. For the same reason, you should store them in a cool, dry place.

You also have some options if you want to eat them:

  • Dry them thoroughly, toss with a little oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast at 250 o for 10 -15 minutes.
  • Boil in salted water for 30 minutes, drain, dry completely, and roast at 300o for 30-40 minutes, stirring often.


Resources
https://blog.southernexposure.com/.../6-easy-steps-to...
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/.../saving-pumpkin-seeds...
Image credit: https://gardenerspath.com/.../vegetables/save-pumpkin-seeds/







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