From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Central

Having trouble getting my seeds to dry off without getting mold to from on the outside shell. Anyone know what I am doing wrong? Also, will the outside mold effect the seed?

Thanks for any help.
Sierah

9/29/2005 10:43:23 PM

Midwest

Mold is associated with stagnant damp air. Try using a fan (like a ceiling fan) to circulate the air. Also, you might want to dry the seeds on a old screen or close knit chicken wire. You can also dust with Captan but, then you are working with chemicals and you have to plan on handling them with more care.

9/29/2005 11:20:16 PM

ENGLAND

Sierah
You may find this link to be of some use...
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=28720
Or just type in the words Seed Drying into the Homepage search box. You will be able to find many different threads relating to this subject.

Regards
Mike

9/30/2005 4:30:13 AM

Berlin,mi.([email protected])

i've had this problem before also. the mold on the seed coat doesn't seem to bother the germination process. i use a blow dryer now. when i wash the seeds i put them on paper towell and blow dry them until they do not stick to each other. then i lay them out to dry in a warm area.

9/30/2005 6:38:11 AM

Ontario, Canada.

This mold problem is more troublesome with pumpkins that have been split and left for a couple of weeks or so before harvesting them. I have tried fans to reduce this but it still occurs to some degree. A second washing in a 10% solution of bleach after the initial drying period when the "skin" can be easily peeled off might cure the mold.

9/30/2005 7:54:48 AM

Newton. KS

Thanks for al the help. Just wondering how long seeds keep once they are dried out. We ended up with a few nice ones this year and hope to use the seeds for a few years.

Thanks Again
Sierah

10/27/2005 9:39:46 PM