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Subject:  What to clip off seed to help germination?

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LJ

South Dakota

I am having a bit of trouble getting any long gourd seeds to germinate. When people speak of clipping the point of the seed, do they mean the tip where the root is supposed to come out, or the little ears on top of the seed? How long should I soak, I've read from one hour to 24 hours? Do you sand the edges like a pumpkin, until you see the little dark line? This was to be my first year, but have 0 out of 8, Only have five seeds left. I have them directly on a seed germination heat mat, seems very warm, if you put pumpkin seeds directly on it, it makes them smell. Too hot I think. This last attempt, I put the paper towel ziplock on a table plate on top of the germination mat and I did get one of the pumpkins to germinate, so I am going to do the same with my next attempt at the long gourd seeds. When is it too late to start the long gourds to get anything decent?

5/12/2020 12:57:47 PM

C2k

Littlerock, WA

I had a tough time too! I was able to get two (out of 8-10 seeds) after jacking the heat up to 95, making sure the soil was quite moist and clipping off the horns. I also sanded, but I bet I could've sanded more aggressively for better results. I had a world record seed come up fairly quickly, with no issues,then was waiting for a second one for almost a week. After digging them all up early yesterday, I saw one sprouted, but was moldy, one was squishy/rotten, and most were still dormant, and one was under the soil, sprouted, but stuck in its seed coat. Later in the afternoon I did a little operation to remove the coat, and success! I'm very glad I checked, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to help it in time. Long gourds are definitely a pain in the arse.

5/14/2020 6:13:11 PM

Iowegian

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I am having the toughest year for germination for long gourds ever this year. The only one up is from the 129" I grew in 2014. I am going to start some more of the 29's this evening.

I just clip the ears, not the tip where the root comes out. I also scrape the seed coat with my pocket knife. I don't soak the seeds, but keep the soil damp and warm.

5/14/2020 6:38:40 PM

Dawn, Suburban Gardener

Western Washington

I have six longs gourd seeds that don't want to germinate right now. I will dig them up and see what they are(n't) doing, lol! I'm considering attempting to grow something else instead. Grower fail, I know! lol

5/14/2020 9:23:02 PM

Dawn, Suburban Gardener

Western Washington

All six long gourd seeds rotted. Going to try Iowegian's suggestions today. Thank you, Iowegian!!!!

5/16/2020 1:55:54 PM

Dawn, Suburban Gardener

Western Washington

I hope these four work better using Iowegian's LG suggestions! Good luck to everyone!

5/17/2020 3:46:18 PM

JohnnyB

Fullerton, California

I had mine on a heating pad for three weeks with no luck. Put them out in the metal shed with one very lite watering with a spray bottle and within a week 7 out of 10 popped. 7 out of 8 in plastic cups and 0 for 2 in peat cup. When they popped the starter soil was like dust. So im guessing hot and dry is the key.

5/29/2020 11:25:17 PM

VTJohn

Jericho Vermont

Some long gourd seeds germinate easier then others and some just don't germinate at all. I sand all 3 sides aggressively including the top where the "horns" are and soak in hydrogen peroxide and water about 50/50 for 3 hours of full submerged. I have germinated some by moist paper towel in baggy sitting on a heat mat as well as in a pot of dirt sitting on a heat mat with a ziplock bag over the top to help keep moisture in. On average I am about 80% with either method and have got 9 long gourds started this year.

5/30/2020 8:28:51 AM

Total Posts: 8 Current Server Time: 3/28/2024 5:03:11 AM
 
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