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North East, Pa

This will be my first year growing AG's. I'm saving my good AG seeds for the real deal but I have some generic AG seeds that I got at Lowes for a trial. I started those 8 days ago and they have not sprouted yet. I have them in a chamber at 80 F. Question: Since these are Generic seeds do they not perform the same as proven, traceable Genetic AG seeds?

4/1/2010 2:57:53 AM

Western PA

You are doing the right thing by doing some trial runs while you still have a few weeks for the real deal.

As far as those seeds you bought for trials, it's hard to say.

The temp seems warm enough to germinate them. Did you direct sow them in seed starting media or the damp paper towel method ?
With either method, if the soil or paper towel is too damp, the seed will most likely rot from the inside out.
First I would carefully crack one of those seeds (right from the packet) open and see if anything is inside.

If you have done some research on this site, you will see that it is highly recommended to lightly file the edge using a finger nail file. That will let moisture enter the seed faster.
Do a search for "Jordon Rivington", he did a tutorial on seed starting which is very good.
I have a lot of seeds that I will never use.I did a test run with them and they are good. If you want some for doing some more trials send me a bouble.
Lee
lewecode@verizon.net

4/1/2010 7:52:33 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Is your soil to wet? That is normally the issue.

4/1/2010 7:55:46 AM

Rhode Island

you probably need the heat higher ( 85 to 90 degrees) and be sure the seeds starter is moist not saturated as noted above.
if in fact you used seed starter?, not that heavy potting soil which makes it that much harder for the seedling to press up through the surface.

most groweres will also sand the outer edges of the seed slightly then soak for a few hours in a mild solution of warm water or evern warm water mixed with a bit of a natural growth product before placing seed in pot.

also did you plant the seed with the tip down or up? it makes a difference as well.

another method to use before placing seed into potted seed starter mix ----- after sanding a seed roll the seed into a moist paper towel and then set this wrap in a small baggie or piece of plastic wrap and place for 24 to 36 hrs in a area with a temp at 85 to 90 degrees.
this forces the root out of the seed, then you gently place the partially germinated seed into the seed starter mix and back into the heated area.

4/1/2010 9:30:37 AM

El Paso TX.

I've just finished a second test run and so far have had 5 of 6 seeds germinate using a sterlite rubber storage container with an electric blanket in the bottom and a shelf placed above it ( http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc189/JDFanning_bucket/PICT0231.jpg ) with the temp at 84 - 88F with the lid on. Followed this How to ( http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=33&gid=3 ) as a guide ! filed the edges of the seeds and soaked them in warm water with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide for 6 hours and then placed in the peat pots and seed starting soil and in 4 days 2 of 3 in the first test were up and growing here's a pic of them after 1 week ( http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc189/JDFanning_bucket/Day8.jpg ) - the one with the first true leaf is the 851 Fowler and the other is a 421 Drum - the third was a 270 est. YOung and never came up (though with a second seed in another test run the 270 was the first seed to germinate so have it under a light source now and waiting on the 763 Young that will be cross polinating with it this season if all goes to plan (270 est is 1385 Jutras x 1502 Wallace and 763 is 1502 Wallace x 1385 Jutras) so will be trying to recross them this year.

4/1/2010 10:40:46 AM

Santa Rosa, CA

bigpumpa,

There is an excellent tutorial at Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario (Canada) www.gvgo.ca Click on Articles & Files and open Pumpkin Germination Tutorial.

You will be germinating seeds in no time!

Chuck

4/1/2010 10:42:17 AM

North East, Pa

ZAPPA: I filed, soaked them for 4 hours then put them sideways tip down into promix soil. JDFan: I then placed them in a rubber storage container with heating pad. I thought I did all the right things but no luck yet. Linus Van Pelt: What would be a good way to tell if the soil is too wet? Pap I just wanted to say it is an honor to have you respond to my question, the first book I read about growing giant pumpkins was Backyard Giants. I also wanted to tell everyone that the people I work with think I'm nuts but they are also curious and some of my coworkers are actually going to grow AG's, we also are going to have a friendly competition. It is funny to hear a bunch of Cops talk about growing giant pumpkins

4/2/2010 12:27:37 AM

North East, Pa

GOOD NEWS, I went home for lunch, or breakfast whatever you call it at 4:30 in the morning and 1 of the seeds I started finally sprouted. It took 9 days and 9 hours.

4/2/2010 6:21:28 AM

El Paso TX.

That might be due to the lower temp you had them in - I noticed on my testing that the batch that was in the 86-88F range came up a day or so faster than those in the 84F range - so at 80F it might take even longer. Glad to hear you finally got some results - hopefully the others will pop up soon as well.

4/2/2010 9:22:35 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Bpumpa, the only test for soil moisture I have ever heard of is the squeeze test....grab a handful of yer moistened starting mix....squeeze as hard as you can...if more than two drops of water fall from yer hand, it's too wet!!! Hope this helps! Peace, Wayne

4/3/2010 12:46:07 AM

Western PA

Yes, Peace Wayne summed it up perfect.Moist not wet.
Lee

4/3/2010 9:15:01 PM