South African Gem Squash Seeds? The 7 Latest Answer

Gem Gourd Planting

Vegetable growing in South Africa

© Louise Brodie

propagation

The propagation of the gemstone pumpkin takes place via seeds.

planting method

Planting gem gourds can be done by planting the seed directly with a mechanical planter, or by hand on smaller plots. Planting gem gourd seedlings is also done through production in seed trays in greenhouses during the last days of winter and when the weather is suitable to plant the seedlings on the field. Planting seedlings can save the grower or farmer time and start harvesting 2 to 3 weeks earlier.

Distance

Pumpkin plants should be spaced 50cm apart in rows 120cm apart. That’s about 16,000 plants per hectare. Some of the more compact strains are closer together with plant densities of 20,000 plants per hectare.

Sowing and planting time

The best time is when the soils begin to warm up in the spring and the frosts have passed. This is usually late August early September. The gemstone gourd can be planted until February, as long as the weather is right. They were planted and harvested in frost-free areas well into the winter months.

growing period

Gem pumpkin takes between 10 and 12 weeks until the first fruits are ready to be harvested. Baby gems can be harvested as early as 6 weeks after planting.

fertilization

The first fertilizer is applied to the topsoil of the planting area before planting. Depending on the result of the soil analysis, an average of 600 kg per hectare 2:3:4 (30) can be applied. This is immediately available to the seedlings and stimulates initial growth and root formation. Approximately 4 weeks after planting, when plants are established and growing well, a second application of 350kg per hectare of 2:3:4 (30) can be poured along plant rows and flushed in with one irrigation. A third application of nitrogen can be used when plant growth is problematic and requires it. About 250 to 400 kg per hectare of LAN (28) would normally be sufficient. The equivalent in liquid fertilizer through a drip irrigation system could also apply if drip irrigation is installed.

irrigation

An average watering of between 30mm and 40mm during the growing season should suffice. This should be increased or decreased depending on the weather conditions. It is best to install and drip water as this will keep the foliage dry and healthy and will keep evaporation to a minimum. Fertilizer applied directly to the root zone is also more efficient. Care should be taken not to over-water as gem gourd is susceptible to root disease if waterlogged root zones develop. If sprinkler irrigation is used, try to ensure the leaves are dry before dark to reduce the risk of fungal infections. It is also advisable to constantly monitor soil moisture and the most efficient way is to install soil moisture meters.

By Louise Brodie

There is so much to love about squash. The sheer variety of shapes, colors and flavors means there are endless possibilities for your vegetable garden and your plate. They range from giant pumpkins to small ‘patty pan’ varieties, and colors too vary from mottled greens and yellows to bright sunset tones.

Some of my favorites are extraordinarily decorative, like the uchiki kuri pumpkin, which climbs up and over frames and produces beautiful orange fruit with a sweet flavor and waxy texture. Others have become indispensable in the kitchen, including the silver-blue “Crown Prince” pumpkin, which always stands out in taste tests and can be stored exceptionally well for up to a year. I also love the small and delicious Patisson ‘Sunburst’ and the huge and pretty Pumpkin ‘Marina Di Chioggia’ – it’s like a living sculpture in the garden.

Browse our range of pumpkin seeds and seedlings, the seedlings will arrive ready to plant in your garden.

No doubt my non-South African readers are scratching their heads wondering what the heck is a gem gourd and why we need to devote an entire post to them. Well, let me tell you – it’s probably what South Africans crave abroad most, and one of the most frustratingly unattainable. When my half-sister emigrated to France in the 1970s, she missed the gem gourd so much that she smuggled a packet of seeds back to France and planted them in her garden there just for a permanent supply. Biltong is now made in most countries where saffers congregate. To get boerewors, all you need is a good spice mix and a tame butcher to cook it for you. and rooibos tea has practically taken over the world. But gem gourds seem like the holy grail for expat South Africans, judging by the flood of comments that followed my previous two posts about them.

So what is this mythical vegetable I am talking about? Gem squash (similar – possibly genetically identical – to roll squash, 8-ball squash, or zucchini round) is native to Central America and belongs to the botanical genus Cucurbita, which includes most squashes and melons and can be subdivided into Cucurbita maxima (Hubbard -pumpkin & buttercup squash); Cucurbita mixta (cushaw squash); Cucurbita moschata (butternut squash); and Cucurbita pepo, which includes gem gourds, along with most gourds, acorn squash, gourds, and cucumbers. More generally, however, squashes are categorized as summer or winter squash, which has less to do with when they are available and more to do with when they were harvested and how ripe they were at harvest. Winter squashes are usually left on the vine until the end of summer before harvest, which hardens and toughens their skin, allowing them to be stored for later consumption. Summer squashes, on the other hand, are picked when they are young and tender. They require little or no cooking (e.g. zucchini), but do not keep as well as winter squash. Also joining this family is the wonderful Pattypan squash (aka scallop squash) which was a staple at home but not something I’ve seen commonly in UK supermarkets 🙁

Gem gourd falls into the summer squash category, but I have to say that gem gourds vary greatly in the thickness of their skin – a function of how early or late they were picked. The ones we get in South Africa (often sold roadside in 5 or 10kg sacks) are generally quite thick skinned and once cooked hold their shape to form their own little biodegradable bowl. However, those sold in the UK live up to their description as a summer squash and the skin is often soft enough to eat once cooked. In South Africa we also get baby gems – about the size of ping pong balls and cooked in no time. You just eat it whole, no mess, no fuss—and they’re so cute and delicious.

So if the supermarkets don’t sell them, the only way forward is to grow them yourself. Judging by the number of inquiries I’ve received, many expats want to know how to grow gem gourd, so here’s a little guide compiled from various websites and reader comments.

HOW TO GROW GEM SQUASH

Choose your location wisely as gem gourds need a lot of space to grow. They will send out long vines and take over your vegetable patch if you allow them. Some growers build A-frame trellises for the vines to hang from, keeping the plants away from the rest of your garden and the fruit off the ground (where it could rot).

They are not frost tolerant and need temperatures between 18°C ​​and 27°C for optimal growth. The frost-free growing season in the northern hemisphere is roughly between April and November.

Sow your gemstone gourd in rich, well-drained soil in the sunniest spot in your garden (particularly in colder countries). For best results, add some compost to the soil before sowing and sow the seeds in rows 2cm deep and 1m apart. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as this will cause the seeds to rot. Mulching isn’t necessary, as the squash plant’s large leaves provide a similar protection against moisture loss.

A handy tip from reader UK Stephen Brosin is to “dig the planting hole way too big, put a handful or two of 3-4 day old grass clippings in the hole, add some compost and some slow release fertilizer and then plant your seedlings in it. If you have a compost pile, let your gems grow on the pile!”

Gem gourds have similar growth requirements to cucumbers and prefer organic liquid foods high in potassium.

WHEN TO HARVEST GEM SQUASH

The harvest takes place in early autumn. If you live in a warm climate and plan to store the squashes for a while, the fruit will be ripe and ready to be picked when the skin is too hard to pierce with your fingernails. However, you’re unlikely to reach this stage in the cool northern hemisphere (see below for the powdery mildew problem), so you’d probably be better off picking them once they reach the size of tennis balls (or even sooner). , no matter how soft the skin is. On growing Rolet F1 squash, UK reader Stephen Brosin says: “Rolet F1, if left just a little too long, gives a very fibrous squash that is not at all like a Pukka gem. Plucked young, however, the Rolet F1 is a very acceptable replacement and is a lot of fun.”

DEALING WITH GEM SQUASH PESTS

The only problem you’ll encounter when growing gem squash (or butternuts, zucchini, and cucumbers) in cool climates is powdery mildew, a fungus that strikes later in the growing season. The growing season just isn’t long enough and the onset of cooler weather stresses the plants, making them susceptible to powdery mildew, for which there is no cure. To try to combat the occurrence of powdery mildew, readers sent in the following tips:

Grow the plants in full sun.

Be careful not to wet the leaves when watering – it’s better to water the soil directly and not the plant.

If possible, build a temporary greenhouse using wooden slats and clear polythene sheeting over the plants to keep water and cold wind away from the plants.

Reader Ed says: “Gardeners and farmers in the US use a fungicide containing myclobutanil for this. In the UK it’s only approved for ornamental plants and fruit trees, but I figured if it’s good enough for American gardeners I should give it a try!”

Some gardeners have had success by spraying affected leaves with a mixture of 1 part skim or low-fat milk and 9 parts water (in other words, a 10% milk solution). Others say that 1 tsp. (about 5 ml) of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) dissolved in 1 quart and sprayed on the leaves, beat them back. While these can slow down powdery mildew, they won’t kill it, but at least the plant can survive long enough to mature your crop.

Cut off badly affected leaves to encourage airflow and light to all parts of the plant.

HOW TO HARVEST GEM SQUASH SEEDS

If you’re lucky enough to have grown a mature crop of gem gourd, you can harvest seeds from the fruit before cooking and grow more next year. Reader Keith Meintjies has this piece of advice: “To harvest the seeds: leave the squash on the vine until the vines die, or buy ripe squashes that are not quite green but have a hint of yellow/orange color to their skin to have. Halve the pumpkin and scrape out the seeds before cooking. Rinse the seeds to remove them from the squash strands. Dry the seeds on a paper towel at room temperature for about a week, then store in a resealable plastic bag or an old 35mm plastic can.”

GEM SQUASH NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Gem squash is high in fiber, low in calories, and contains useful amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as iron, folic acid, potassium, and niacin. It has a similar nutritional profile to spaghetti squash.

WHERE TO BUY GEM SQUASH SEEDS & GEM SQUASH

Depending on where you live, it is possible to buy Gem Gourd fruits, seedlings, or seeds. Here’s a list of places I’ve found and been recommended by readers to buy Gem Squash, Rolled Squash, Zucchini Rounds, 8 Ball Squash, or Tondo Chiaro di Nice – if you know any others please message me email or leave a comment and I’ll add it.

In the United Kingdom:

The fruit itself is very seasonal and is available at Waitrose, Borough Market in London (and probably other farmers’ markets) and sometimes in the big Tesco & Sainsbury’s branches. They also show up quite often in Abel & Cole and Riverford organic crates, as well as in independent greengrocers. South African shops in the UK sometimes stock them briefly when in season.

In Australia:

http://www.thesouthafricanshop.com.au (as fruit when in season)

Shop 7 & 8 Upper Level Templestowe Village

Shopping mall,

112 Jakobstrasse

Templestowe

VIC 3106

Shop 7 & 8 Upper Level Templestowe Village Shopping Centre, 112 James Street Templestowe VIC 3106 Hahndorf Vegetable Market near Adelaide (as fruit when in season)

Southern Harvest (as Gem Gourd Seeds)

Springbok Foods (as gem gourd fruit, November through April)

Diggers Club (as gem gourd seeds)

In New Zealand:

www.kingsseeds.co.nz (delivers to UK)

The farm shop Kerikeri

8 Hall Road Kerikeri

New Zealand

Tel. 09 4077607

Gem Gourd Seedlings. $2.50 pot of three

In the USA:

DO YOU KNOW A SUPPLIER OF GEM PUMPKIN SEEDS OR FRUITS IN YOUR COUNTRY? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS SO I CAN ADD IT TO THE LISTING!

HOW TO COOK GEM SQUASH – RECIPES FOR GEM SQUASH

OK, I hear you ask, that’s all well and good, but what do you do with a gem pumpkin?

You can peel and quarter the gems, scoop out the pits and roast them with olive oil. But personally, if I can avoid peeling a pumpkin, then I will!

You can do what my dad still does to this day: cut the squash in half around its equator, cook (or steam or microwave) until the flesh is soft enough to pop out the seeds easily. Then put a stick of butter in each well, mash the flesh in the skin and season with cinnamon sugar.

Alternatively, if you find the idea of ​​sweet veggies off-putting, try the same idea but with sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. I even pureed mine with a balsamic dressing, which worked well. For something a little creamier, try my Rozenhof recipe for Creamy Gem Squash.

Prepare and steam the squashes as above, then fill each cavity with pesto and serve with a spoonful of your choice of vegetables (also ideal as a vegan meal).

You can make gemstone squash stuffed with ground beef and tomato stew – your husband’s favorite.

You can make squashes stuffed with a flavorful creamy corn mixture and topped with cheese – my favorite way to eat them!

For more gem pumpkin recipe inspiration, check out my dedicated Pinterest pumpkin recipe board:

Follow Jeanne Horak-Druiff’s board recipes from Cooksister on Pinterest.

Preparing gem gourd is easy – all you have to do is cook until it’s tender on the outside – when its tough green skin feels soft but won’t crack between your fingers. The perfect time to slice them open, add a generous scoop of Flora margarine and enjoy or serve with your family’s favorite dishes like roast chicken and lamb chops.

Preparation time:

Gem gourd is not as well known in New Zealand as it deserves as it is delicious, easy to grow and nutritious. It’s a small, round, fleshy squash somewhere between a squash and a zucchini. Kids usually like gem gourds because they’re sweet without the gooey texture of kumara or gourd.

On its website, Gem Squash NZ recommends them as baby’s first solid vegetable as they are light, tasty and digestible. Give them the same growing conditions as pumpkins or melons – good, nutrient-rich soil and a warm location.

They can be harvested and eaten with the skin on, all when they are about the size of a golf ball, but it is more common to pluck them when they are about the size of a large baked apple and while the skin is still green (when they turn yellow, becomes stringy). Try to cook them whole, pricking the skin, pan with a roast and when tender, cut in half, scoop out the seeds and season.

Seeds are available from Kings Seeds. To save you from searching through their entire catalog like I had to, they are listed under “Squash, African Gem”.

Known for its round shape and dark green skin, the gemstone squash has a sweet flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways to eat this summer squash is by baking it. You can cut the gem squash in half, fill with cheese or vegetables, and bake with the skin, or you can peel the squash, cut into bite-sized cubes, and season lightly with salt and pepper. To start, you’ll need a ripe Gem Pumpkin and a large frying pan.

Common Name: CHU-CHU, CHAYOTE

Scientific name: Sechium edule CHU-CHU, CHAYOTE

The chayote, or chu-chu as it is commonly known in South Africa, is an edible plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of gourds, along with melons, cucumbers and squash.

The Chu-Chu is a perennial climber with bulbous roots and flat-lobed, broadly triangular leaves that produces small greenish-white male and female flowers. This is followed by fruits that are roughly pear-shaped and flattened, with rough wrinkles, white or light green flesh, and a single large flattened pit. The chu-chu clings with vines and needs trellis, fences or trees to climb on, where its large leaves form a canopy over the fruit.

In warm areas the Chu-Chu is a perennial but the vines should be pruned back to 2m before new growth begins in spring. In very cold regions it is killed to the ground by frost. It will sprout again in the spring – provided you mulch the roots before the first cold.

The Chu-Chu needs a long, warm growing season — at least five or six months — and if you’re growing more than one Chu-Chu vine, you’ll want to improve pollination and get more fruit. It needs full sun and needs a good watering throughout the growing season. The vine bears fruit for 3-5 years.

The Chu-Chu vine originally comes from South America. No archaeological evidence shows how long it has been cultivated by humans. Evidence of the plant’s existence was first recorded in 1756. It has been cultivated in Mexico since pre-Columbian times.

Harvest and used parts

The root stems, leaves, fruits and seeds can be used either culinary or medicinally.

Culinary

The nutritional value of 1x200g medium Chu-Chu fruit is as follows:

It has 50 calories and is a good source of

Potassium,

vitamin C

and amino acid.

The root stems and leaves are edible. The seeds have a nutty flavor and can be eaten as part of the fruit.

The chu-chu can be eaten raw or cooked.

It can be boiled, baked, stuffed, mashed, fried or pickled.

You can make it either sweet with sugar, butter and some ginger or cinnamon, or savory with onions and potatoes or even curry.

Very young chu-chu fruits can be eaten whole, but older, more ripe fruits are best peeled. Cut through the creases between the ridges, then use a vegetable peeler on the remaining skin. Dice it up for frying or use it in soups. Halve the chu-chu, place the cut sides down, bake like a winter squash and serve with butter. Peel, dice and blanch to freeze. The chu-chu retains its crispiness after cooking.

Medical

The Chu-Chu has diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties.

A tea made from chu-chu leaves can be taken for high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular problems (tested in modern studies) and to dissolve kidney stones.

A tea made from the chu-chu fruit has been used to relieve water retention and to cure kidney disease since colonial times.

Interesting is the fact that the chu-chu plant has remarkable cell-regenerating properties – if the fruit is stung by a fruit fly, it will heal itself – unlike other fruits, and especially other curcubits, which rot. Urban legend has it that chu-chu caused the mummification of people from the Colombian city of San Bernarde who consumed chu-chu excessively. Their very well preserved skin and flesh can be seen in the mummies found in this region.

Other uses

Chu-Chu is an excellent animal feed for poultry.

Gem Pumpkin

(Also known as Little Gem Squash, Rolet Squash, 8-Ball Squash)

Gem gourd seems to be a unique favorite in South Africa (similar to biltong), despite being native to Central America. It is a round-shaped vegetable about the size of a large apple, with a dark green, thick skin and sweet, firm, dense, yellow-orange flesh filled with immature seeds.

It falls into the summer squash category, although unlike other summer squashes, it has a tough, inedible skin.

Allergen: no

Introduction: 6 months

Gem gourd is a perfect first food for your little one. It’s non-allergenic, easy to make, has a soft texture and mild flavor – and it comes in its own biodegradable serving bowl!

Selection:

Choose a gem gourd that is heavy for its size and dark green in color with no bruises or blemishes on the skin.

Storage:

Store whole, raw gemstone gourd in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks (although it can be stored for a month after the first harvest).

Store cooked gem gourd in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Store cooked gem gourd in a sealed container in the freezer for 2 months.

Preparation/Use:

Soak the gem gourd in a salt, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide water solution for 20 minutes, then rinse under the running water.

Halve the squash and steam for 10 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.

Scoop out the seeds; Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee and a pinch of sea salt and serve.

Alternatively, you can scoop out the pulp and mash or puree.

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Sow butternut squash seeds in peat-free, multipurpose soil in 7cm pots from April. Transplant seedlings into larger pots when they are big enough, then transplant outdoors in fertile soil from late May when all danger of frost has passed. Protect young plants from snails and snails. Water the plants regularly and feed them weekly when they start blooming—butternut squash are hungry plants. Remove any leaves covering the young squashes to help them ripen more fully, and consider lifting the fruit onto bricks or straw to ripen.

Butternut squash is one of the most popular squash to grow. The bulbous, pear-shaped fruits are ready for harvest in autumn and have dense, sweet-orange flesh and a thin skin. This makes them easy to prepare and great for frying and using in soups and risottos. Butternut squash is also a great vegetable for health reasons, as it’s low in carbohydrates and a good source of vitamins.

Butternut squash is easy to grow from seed. Start indoors in early April by sowing two seeds per pot. Thin out to a seedling and harden off outdoors after the last few frosts before transplanting into well prepared beds in late May.

Butternut squash can also be sown directly into the ground outdoors, where it is expected to grow in late May and early June. The soil should be well prepared, burying plenty of well-rotted organic matter.

Caring for butternut squash

Keep your butternut squash plants weed free and nourish them throughout the growing season as they are hungry plants. Pelleted chicken manure is a good choice, or use a liquid fertilizer. Most butternut squash varieties bear fruit about 15 weeks after sowing.

Harvest butternut squash

Butternut squash fruit will last longer if you leave it outdoors on the vine for as long as possible. However, make sure they have all been harvested before the first frost.

Growing butternut squash: problem solving

Young plants must be protected from snails, snails and aphids after planting out. Later in the season, butternut squash can succumb to powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. Keep plants well watered and look for varieties that show good disease resistance.

preparation and use

You can peel the butternut squash or roast it with the skin. Check out some butternut squash recipes from our friends at Olive Magazine.

Save the butternut squash

Butternut squash stores well after harvest if kept in a cool, dry place. Many varieties have a shelf life of up to three months, so a really useful winter vegetable.

Butternut Squash Varieties to Try

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If you’re planting (or have already planted) pumpkin seeds, you’re probably wondering how long it takes for them to sprout. You may also be curious about how to speed up the seed germination process.

So how long do pumpkin seeds take to germinate? Pumpkin seeds take 7 to 14 days to germinate. Pumpkin seeds germinate faster with optimal soil temperature, moisture, and air circulation.

Of course, you can germinate pumpkin seeds indoors and later transplant them outdoors, but it is preferable to germinate pumpkin seeds directly outdoors in the ground.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that affect how long pumpkin seeds take to germinate. We will also see how we can tweak these factors to encourage faster seed germination.

How long do pumpkin seeds take to germinate?

Usually, pumpkin seeds take 7 to 14 days to germinate (about 1 to 2 weeks depending on conditions). The University of Maryland suggests that pumpkin seeds can germinate in as little as 7 days, while Burpee suggests that pumpkin seeds can take up to 14 days to germinate.

Pumpkin seeds take 1 to 2 weeks (7 to 14 days) to germinate if conditions are right.

It will all depend on various factors affecting the time it takes seeds to germinate – let’s get into some of them now!

What factors influence seed germination?

The time it takes for a seed to germinate depends on several important factors such as: B. the soil temperature, the humidity and the air circulation. Let’s take a closer look at these factors that affect seed germination.

soil temperature

The temperature of the soil (growing medium) affects the time it takes for seeds to germinate. Soil temperature also affects germination rate, or the percentage of seeds that will germinate.

***Note: The germination rate can be found on the seed packet itself. For example, if the germination rate is 95%, you would expect 95 seeds to sprout from every 100 seeds you planted.***

The minimum temperature for germinating pumpkin seeds is 15.6 degrees Celsius. If the soil is colder, you’ll see low germination rates – that is, if you can germinate seeds at all! In this way, nature protects pumpkin seeds from germinating at a time when they cannot survive.

The maximum temperature for pumpkin seeds to germinate is 40.6 degrees Celsius. When the soil is warmer, the germination rate decreases. High temperatures, combined with high humidity, can encourage mold growth, which poses another threat to your plants.

The ideal (optimal) temperature for germinating pumpkin seeds is between 29.4 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.

Remember that these temperatures refer to ground temperature, not air temperature. If you want to find out the soil temperature, use a probe thermometer to check.

If the thermometer reads too low a temperature, you have a few options. One option is to wait for the sun to warm up the soil.

To speed up this process, remove any debris such as leaves or grass clippings from the floor surface. Also, be sure to choose a site for planting that gets plenty of sun so it can warm up the soil faster.

If you’re concerned about a short growing season, you can also use a cloche (a plastic or glass cover) to trap some heat and warm the air and soil near your pumpkin seeds.

For more information, see the table below and this University of California article on ideal seed germination temperatures.

seed

temp temp

(Degree

f) temp

(Degree

C) Min. 60 15.6 Ideal 85 to 95 29 to 35 Maxi 105 40.6 This table shows Minimum, Ideal and

Maximum temperatures for

Germination of pumpkin seeds.

humidity

Humidity is another important factor to consider when germinating pumpkin seeds. If the air is too dry, the soil will dry out faster and the seeds will have trouble germinating – they may even die!

If the air is too humid, the soil will remain too moist, especially if you overwater the soil. This can lead to damping off, which occurs when mold or other pathogens attack seeds or seedlings.

Dieback is more likely in high humidity, in moist soil, and in cooler temperatures.

For more information, see this article on Dampening Wikipedia.

If you find you are having trouble keeping the air and soil moist enough, you have a few options. One way is to use a cloche (mentioned above).

A cloche doesn’t have to be so fancy – you can make one out of a plastic water container!

When a cloche is sealed, it traps moisture in the air and soil, giving seeds the moist environment they need to germinate properly. A cloche will help your seeds germinate faster, increasing germination rates and reducing the time and effort required to keep the soil moist.

air circulation

Seeds need air, just like seedlings and established plants. If the soil is too moist and there is not enough air circulation, your seeds can die before they even have a chance to germinate.

To prevent your seeds from suffocating due to lack of air, there are two important things you can do.

First, keep the soil moist but not wet. Don’t overwater the soil and consider using a cloche to achieve the right moisture level.

Second, keep the bottom loose. Don’t compact the soil by pressing it down before or after planting your seeds. When there is more space between soil particles, there is more space for air and water, both of which are necessary for seed germination.

How can I germinate pumpkin seeds faster?

If you want your pumpkin seeds to germinate faster, there are several important steps you can take.

Pumpkin seeds will germinate faster if you take proper steps to help them.

First, protect your seeds from extreme heat and cold. As mentioned earlier, temperature is one of the most important factors affecting seed germination.

If it’s too cold to plant seeds outside, start your seeds indoors. This will give you a head start in the growing season and minimize the chance of late spring frosts killing your seedlings. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with a short growing season.

Second, make sure the soil is moist (not wet!) and the air is humid. Seeds will not germinate if there is insufficient moisture in the soil and air. For this purpose, consider a cloche.

Third, make sure the floor has enough air circulation. This means that you should avoid compacted soil both before and after planting. It also means you should avoid overwatering your soil.

Fourth, remember that pumpkin seeds don’t need light to germinate. If you are growing pumpkin seeds indoors, give the seedlings bright overhead light after germination.

Fifth, make sure you plant your pumpkin seeds at the correct depth and spacing. Pumpkin seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 inch. Seeds should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart to give each seedling its own spot in the soil to establish roots.

Finally, you can score (scratch the surface) your seeds to encourage germination. This can speed up germination and also increase germination rate (the percentage of seeds that sprout).

For more information, see this article on seeds and seedlings from the Penn State University Extension.

Should pumpkin seeds be soaked before planting?

You can soak your pumpkin seeds before planting to encourage faster germination. Put them in clean water and let them sit for a few hours before planting.

This isn’t necessary though – as long as the growing medium is moist and warm, the pumpkin seeds should germinate well.

Can you germinate pumpkin seeds in a paper towel?

Yes, you can sprout pumpkin seeds in a paper towel. The paper towel retains moisture and allows the seeds to breathe, and serves as an alternate growing medium.

You can use a damp paper towel to germinate pumpkin seeds, but it’s always better to sow pumpkin seeds directly into the soil if possible.

To sprout pumpkin seeds on a paper towel, dampen the paper towel until damp (not soaking wet). Then lay out the pumpkin seeds so that they are separate (not touching).

Be sure to keep the paper towel and seeds in a warm place to encourage faster germination and higher germination rates.

The only downside to this method is that you have to transplant the germinated seeds into the soil by hand, as they will soon need nutrients from the soil to grow and form stronger roots. Be careful when handling the tiny seedlings!

It’s preferable to sow pumpkin seeds directly into the ground outdoors, as they don’t always transplant well. However, germinating pumpkin seeds in a paper towel can be helpful if you live in an area with a short growing season.

Why are my pumpkin seeds not germinating?

There are a few possible reasons why your pumpkin seeds aren’t germinating.

Your pumpkin seeds are too old

A common reason for poor germination is that the seeds you are using are too old. In this case, the germination rate can be low or even zero.

Pumpkin seeds tend to last around 3 years and germination rates will naturally decrease with each passing year. Check out my article on how long seeds last for more information.

Your soil is too cold or too dry

Another reason why your pumpkin seeds aren’t germinating has to do with soil conditions.

If the soil is too cold, your pumpkin seeds may not sprout immediately (whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors). They can sprout as conditions improve and the soil warms.

However, you might not want to wait that long and perhaps not risk killing your seeds. In this case, start the seeds indoors and use a heat lamp or heating mat to keep the soil warm enough for the seeds to germinate. Just be very careful when transplanting so as not to damage the roots.

Finally, remember that if the soil is too dry, the seeds may not germinate and may even die before you have a chance to fix the problem. Keep the soil moist and consider using a humidity dome to maintain proper soil and air moisture levels.

If you have problems with dry soil, read my article on treating dry soil.

How big should pumpkin seedlings be before planting outdoors?

Johnny’s Selected Seeds suggests that you should start pumpkin seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before it’s time to transplant them outdoors.

Squash plants like warm weather, and that starts at a young age. Keep the seeds warm (at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, 15.6 degrees Celsius) so they can germinate!

Typically, you should aim to transplant pumpkin seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, as pumpkin plants do not survive a frost.

To find the last frost date in your location, check out this frost date calculator from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Conclusion

By now you have a good idea of ​​how long it takes for pumpkin seeds to sprout. You will also know the factors that affect time to germination, how to optimize for faster germination, and how to fix a lack of germination.

I hope you found this article helpful – if so, please share it with someone who can use the information. If you have any questions about pumpkin seed germination, please leave a comment below.

Grow Your Own Gem Gourd Written by System Administrator Did you know that the humble Gem Gourd is unique to South Africa? In fact, South Africans in other countries around the world order seeds of this vegetable so they can grow them in their new homelands. Gem Squash are easy to grow but require some patience as the growing season lasts 70-90 days. The advantage of this autumn vegetable is that it can be kept for months if stored in a cool, dark place. Did you know that the humble gem gourd is unique to South Africa? In fact, South Africans in other countries around the world order seeds of this vegetable so they can grow them in their new homelands. Gem Squash are easy to grow but require some patience as the growing season lasts 70-90 days. The advantage of this autumn vegetable is that it can be kept for months if stored in a cool, dark place. Planting Tips: Choose your location wisely as the gemstone gourd needs a lot of space to grow. They will send out long vines and take over your vegetable patch if you allow them.

Sow gemstone gourd in a sunny spot in rich, well-drained soil. For best results, add some compost to the soil before sowing for best results.

Sow the seeds in rows 1m apart. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as this will cause the seeds to rot.

Mulching isn’t necessary, as the squash plant’s large leaves provide a similar protection against moisture loss. Harvest time: The pumpkin should be harvested in early autumn.

The fruit is ripe and can be picked when the skin is too hard to pierce with your fingernails.

Wipe clean and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months.