Saving Seeds: Squash and Zucchini
Posted by: Rose in squash, zucchini, tags: saving seeds
Squash within the same species DOES cross pollinate, therefore species should be isolated by a quarter mile. This will also reduce the danger of squash bugs spreading over all the crops if they pester one patch.
Seeds should be taken from fruits that have surpassed maturity by 3 weeks already.
Remove seed, wash, let dry on paper plate or thick sheet of paper.
NOTE:
There are four species of squash:
- Cucurbita maxima
- Cucurbita mixta
- Cucurbita moschata
- Cucurbita pepo
You can grow different species in the same garden and still save pure seed, as squash only cross pollinates WITHIN the same species.
What to note when labeling your seeds:
- what species and kind of squash the seed was saved from
- how long it takes the squash or zucchini to mature
- basic planting instructions
- basic seed saving instructions
- what year the seed was saved in
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