🌱 Dried pumpkin seeds: a quick guide to planting them

Drying pumpkin seeds is the key step to keeping them in good condition until planting time. If you plant damp seeds, they risk getting moldy or rotting before they even germinate. By drying your seeds properly, you ensure excellent germination and prepare your garden to welcome beautiful homegrown pumpkins. 🌞

• A ripe squash (butternut, pumpkin, muscat squash…)
• A very sharp knife (watch your fingers! 🖐️)
• A colander or a sieve
• Absorbent paper or a clean cloth
• A perforated plate or plaque
• A dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight ☀️
• An airtight jar or a paper envelope for storage

1. Open your squash (butternut, pumpkin, or other). Scoop out the seeds by hand or with a spoon. 💪
2. Wash the seeds thoroughly under cold water in a colander to remove the pulp and slimy filaments (this is important!).
3. Drain the seeds well. Spread them in a single layer on absorbent paper or a clean cloth, without overlapping.
4. Allow to air dry in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Gently stir them daily to prevent them from sticking together or getting moldy.
5. After a few days, test their dryness : they should be hard, brittle and not sticky.
6. Store your seeds in an airtight jar or paper envelope, away from moisture and temperature variations (cupboard, temperate garage…).
7. In spring, take out your seeds and sow them directly in the ground or in pots, pointed end down. Water them, and let the magic happen! 🪴

🌻 Bonus tip: write the variety, date and source of your harvest on the envelope so you can find it again next year.

• 🧽 Wash the seeds well : the pulp accelerates mold growth, take the time to scrub them thoroughly.
• 🪹 Do not accelerate drying in the oven or on a radiator: heat damages their germination capacity.
• 🌬️ Dry and airy environment : avoid humid or confined rooms.
• 🕵️ Check for mold before storing. If a seed is questionable, discard it.
• 📆 Plant at the right time : in open ground after the last frosts, or in pots from March/April depending on your region.
• 🔄 Renew your stock every year : pumpkin seeds retain their germination capacity for one to two years, no more.

Yes, you can dry the seeds of most edible squashes (butternut, kabocha, winter squash, spaghetti squash, etc.). But choose non-hybrid squashes or heirloom varieties to ensure true-to-life plants. For inspiration, check out our butternut squash or Lorraine kabocha squash available individually in our shop!

In general, well-dried pumpkin seeds maintain a good germination rate for one to two years. The better you dry and store them, the better your chances of a bountiful harvest! ⏳

Take a dry seed and squeeze it between two fingers: if it snaps cleanly, that's a good sign. If it bends or crumbles, it's too moist or damaged. Heavy, well-formed seeds are generally the most vigorous.

It's not mandatory: most squash seeds germinate very well without stratification. But for the tougher varieties, you can place your seeds in the refrigerator (7 to 10 days) before sowing to boost germination. 🧊

Want to go further? Check out Détente Jardin 's complete guide for pro tips. And don't hesitate to discover our 2025 Air Fryer comparisons to cook your squash in a whole new way! 😉