Can I plant pumpkin seeds from a store bought pumpkin?

Photo: Pixabay

Lots of people want to try it because it's fun to grow your own pumpkins and it seems very straight forward.

Photo: Pixabay

So, can you really plant seeds from a supermarket pumpkin and grow your own squash?

The short answer is 'yes', but if your pumpkin was a hybrid (and even simple carving pumpkins can be), the fruit you later harvest may differ in size and color from the squash you originally bought at the store. If you're using seeds scooped from the heirloom pumpkin, you've got a better chance to grow a similar-looking cucurbit.

Gladiator pumpkin is a hybrid. Photo: Pixabay

f you're not sure if your pumpkin is an heirloom or a hybrid, you can simply take a chance, or buy heirloom seeds online (or straight from the local pumpkin farm).

How do I prepare pumpkin seeds for planting?

Photo: Pixabay

You need to scoop them, wash them with cold water and let them dry in a cool dry place (even for a few weeks). Keep an eye on the seeds (flip them to the other side from time to time and discard any moldy ones). When they're thoroughly dry, put them in a seed pocket envelope (or a regular envelope) and store in a dry cool place until it's time to plant.

How do I plant pumpkin seeds and when?

I wrote a separate post on that. You can read it in full here: How do I plant pumpkin seeds and when?

Happy gardening!