How to Save Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin is one of the finest vegetables, harvested in almost all regions of the world. They come in many colours, sizes and varieties. Apart from cooking and baking, pumpkins are also used for decoration and making jack-o-lanterns. No matter what purpose you use the pumpkins for, you should save the seeds of perfect pumpkins to be planted in the next season. Saving the seeds of pumpkins is not too difficult even if you are a novice gardener. However, you must keep it in mind that the pumpkin seeds need to be stored during the springtime.
Things Required:
– A large spoon
– A medium-sized bowl
– Colander paper
– Wax paper
– Baking sheet
– Zip-lock bag
– Permanent marker
Instructions
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1
Remove the seeds
In order to store the seeds of pumpkin, the first step is cut a pumpkin. With the help of a large spoon, you are required to take the seeds out of the pumpkin by scraping its inner walls. Now grab a medium-sized bowl and put the seeds in it. -
2
Separate the seeds from the pulp
The next step is to separate the seeds from the pulp that would be left. That can be done with your hands. -
3
Rinse the seeds
Once you have made sure that the large portions of the pulp is removed, you need to put the seeds in a colander and wash with lukewarm water before you let it drain properly. -
4
Paper towel
Place a couple of paper towels on a hard surface and put the seeds on them before you blot dry. -
5
Wax paper
Now the pumpkin seeds need to be put on a wax paper; allow them to dry for a night. -
6
Baking sheet
With paper towels, you should line a baking sheet and put the pumpkin seeds in one layer. However, you need to ensure that that the seeds are properly dry at this stage. You may put this baking sheet in a dry and cool place for approximately four to six weeks. -
7
Store the seeds
Your pumpkin seeds are now ready to be saved for the next season. Grab a zip-lock bag and put the seeds in it. It is recommended that you add a folded paper towel in the bag before zipping it. You can now store the seeds in a cool and dry place and use them whenever you wish to plant pumpkins.
