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About the plant What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
The plant
Habit Annual, Ground Cover, Vegetable, Vine, Warm Season Vegetable Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit scrambling annual Plants of the World Online
Flower Gold/Yellow Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms Summer Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Bolivia GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones 3-11 Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox Growing conditions
Sun Full sun Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt) Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH Neutral (6.0-8.0) Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture Good Drainage, Moist Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
Worth knowing One of the most diverse domesticated species, it includes Hubbard, Boston Marrow and Turk's Turban squash. It was domesticated in South America over 4,000 years ago. Wikipedia: Cucurbita maxima Two sources report 19 treatments between them. All are shown.
Protocol 1 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 9, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 27 days to germinate.
100% germination in 10–27 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 2 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 29, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 2 months from start to sowing. Then 6 days to germinate.
80% germination in 4–6 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 3 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 2 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 19 days to germinate.
62% germination in 9–19 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 4 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 26, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2 3 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
about 2 months from start to sowing. Then 9 days to germinate.
50% germination in 7–9 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 5 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 29, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 28, 2024.
1 Dry storage
Duration: 1095 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
2 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 3 years from start to sowing. Then 8 days to germinate.
30% germination in 2–8 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 6 N. C. Deno, 1996 Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.
26% germination in 14–28 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). C. maxima (Acorn squash) showed dramatic effects of DS with the effect of light disappearing on DS. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D(26% in 2-4 w) and 70 GA-3(62% in 9-19 d). Seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d) and 70GA- 3(50% in 7-9 d). Seeds DS 12 or 18 m germ. 70D(100% on 3rd d). After 3 y of DS there is significant dying and such seeds germ. 70D(30% in 2-8 d). Note not only the lower percentage but the slower rate of germination. Possibly the seedlings were weaker but this was not studied. The effect of GA-3 is confusing, but suffice to say it is of no benefit to germination. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucurbita p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 7 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 2, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
7 days from start to sowing. Then 27 days to germinate.
100% germination in 10–27 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 8 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
7 days from start to sowing. Then 21 days to germinate.
100% germination in 10–21 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 9 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 23, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 days from start to sowing. Then 6 days to germinate.
100% germination in 4–6 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 10 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 24, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 2 months from start to sowing. Then 4 days to germinate.
95% germination in 4 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 11 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 26, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
about 2 months from start to sowing. Then 2 days to germinate.
90% germination in 2 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 12 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 22, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 2 months from start to sowing. Then 6 days to germinate.
80% germination in 4–6 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 13 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around October 25, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on October 24, 2026.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 40°F 4°C
5 Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
about 5 months from start to step 5. Germination happens during step 5, in 6 days.
64% germination in 4–6 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 14 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 10, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 days from start to sowing. Then 19 days to germinate.
62% germination in 9–19 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 15 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 days from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
43% germination.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 16 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 days from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
33% germination.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 17 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 1, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
7 days from start to sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.
26% germination in 14–28 days.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 18 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 7, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 2 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
10% germination.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. Protocol 19 N. C. Deno, 1993 Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around October 10, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on October 9, 2026.
1 Clean the flesh off the seed
2 Leach in running water
Duration: 7 days
Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.
3 Dry storage
Duration: 60 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
4 Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 40°F 4°C
5 Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C
about 5 months from start to step 5. Germination happens during step 5; time not stated, 21 days assumed.
10% germination.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128Public domain Show the original text Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae). The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruits through afilament. It is suspected that the inhibitors are transmitted through this filament. This would explain why short periods of WO of only ten minutes are effective in conditioning the seeds for germination. C. maxima (Butterbush squash) that had been DS for months germ. 70D(95% on 4th d), 40 (GA-3)-70(64% in 4-6 d), and 40-70(10%) This effect of GA-3 in protecting viability at 40 is interesting. C. maxima (Acorn squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-27 d), 70D GA-3(62% in 9-19 d), and 70D(26% in 2-4 w). Seeds WC for 7 d germ. 70D GA-3(33%) and 70D(43%). The effect of light disappears on DS and seeds DS 2 m at 70 germ. 70D(80% in 4-6 d). C. maxima (Spaghetti squash) removed from the fruit and WC 10 minutes germ. 70L(100% in 10-21 d), 70D GA-3(100% in 4-6 d), and 70D(none). Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(90% on 2nd d) and 70D(10%). Perhaps further DS would have eliminated the light requirement. Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucurbita p. 128. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list. How each step is done , in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.
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