Question on saving pumpkin seed?

General Fruit Growing
1

Hi folks.

I’ve never saved back pumpkin seed before, but this year I have an heirloom pumpkin, I thought I might try saving back some seed.

It is supposedly open pollinated seed I originally bought.

I have three questions please.

First, since it’s heirloom and open pollinated, does that mean the seed I purchased was open pollinated with only pumpkin plants of the same variety (the variety is called Blue Jarrahdale which is actually a winter squash, but also makes decorative pumpkins)? My open pollinated pumpkins have all kinds of different varieties mixed in, so I’m wondering if this will make the seed unstable and give me something different than Blue Jarrahdale?

Second, does pumkin seed require a chilling period? I don’t think it does, but wanted to ask to make sure?

Lastly, should pumkin seed be stored in the fridge for longevity? I’ve read responses on the internet that it should be refrigerated, and responses that there is no need (i.e just store in a cool dry place)?

I know when I buy pumpkin seed, it comes in sealed paper bags, but I don’t know if the companies store the bags in refrigeration, or refrigerate the seed before bagging?

2

Bees travel a long way. I wouldn’t bet on pure breed. As for storage. I put mine in the fridge just to simulate it’s normal life. Could be wrong, but don’t think it needs it.

3

I store mine in the cupboard and it sprouts fine.

If you grew more than one variety of cucurbita maxima squash then your “jarrehdale” seeds will be mixed

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4

  1. If you grew more than one variety of squash in the C. Maxima group, they will most likely be crossed. Minimum separation distance for squash/pumpkins is 1/2 mile and more is preferred if growing for pure bred seed. Bees love curcurbit flowers!

  2. Pumpkin/squash seed do not require chilling to germinate, but they do have water soluble germination inhibitors which may take a few days to dissolve permitting the seed to germinate. Squash germination inhibitors are not particularly effective compared with other species. Their purpose is to ensure the seed is in very moist soil before it sprouts.

  3. Squash/pumpkin seed can be stored up to 3 years at room temperature with acceptable germination. If you want it to last up to 10 years, place fully dry seed in a sealed container in a deep freeze. I’ve germinated 10 year old seed with up to 50% viability. Watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and other curcurbits have similar storage potential.

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Thank you very much Darrel!