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Re: gourd seeds

>>I am trying to see if some gourd seeds I have received (from several
>>sources) are viable.  I put them in a pot with potting soil, moist, and
>>loosely covered with plastic wrap so it would not dry out fast.  They are
>>sitting on my counter in the kitchen (about 70 degrees F) and None have
>>germinated in 2 weeks.  Anyone have any hints.  I even tried soaking some of
>>them in water for a couple days first.  Any one have any ideas?>
>
>
>The best way to tell if seeds are viable is to lay them in a moist paper
>towel inside a plastic bad until you see  the seeds start to
>sprout...anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Gourds should sprout in
>7-10 days in my experience. Maybe the seeds you have are no longer good.
>
>Cindy in TX

Although we agree with your plastic bag methodology, with think the 70F
temperature is _too low_.    Squash need very warm temps to germinate and
70F would be a minimum.

Try placing the the seeds (in the moist plastic bag) either near a furnace
or on top of a refrigerator.  These tend to be the warmest places in
houses.


Bill & Harvey
SKID Plants  Zone 6  CT  USA
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