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this is my first try at growing giant pumpkins and I have been following all the instructions that i could find.all is going well, my seeds are popping up through the soil.the problem is I seem to have missed the part about filing the edges of the seeds. can anyone tell me if this is of concern.one of my seeds in paticular Niel Cox,s 1048 was twice as big as the other seeds and looked tough as and old boot, now that I think about it.

5/8/2002 7:23:50 AM

Webster, NY

As I understand, the AG pumpkin seeds are very thick seeds. The filing of the seeds helps give the seedling a better chance to break free from it's coat and emerge with little or no damage to the primary leaves.

5/8/2002 7:48:06 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

That's the way I understand it also. If the plant pops up with external shell on it remove it as gently as possible to free it from the plant. Until the first true leaf appears these two leaves are all you have. Any damage will slow down the process. Filing is done before you plant It is explained in the How To section here.

5/8/2002 1:05:08 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Did you presoak the seed before planting. If they are in peat pots and the other less tough ones are already poking through and the tough one isn't it might just take a couple mor days then the others. chuck

5/8/2002 1:09:23 PM

First I would like to thank everyone who responded.I have gently removed the seed shells and all is well.The shells are very thick and I can see why filing is important.Watching some sunflower seeds come up,it seems the plant drags the seed pod up through the soil trying to remove it. Well anyway thanks!

5/9/2002 5:05:37 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Now the real fun begins. You can't or won't believe how aggressive these vines are. Enjoy them have a great season and good luck. chuck

5/9/2002 9:00:03 AM