To get cucumber seeds from a cucumber, you will need to select a mature or even overripe fruit, as the seeds inside need to be fully developed to be viable.
Extracting cucumber seeds involves a simple process of separating the seeds from the surrounding pulp, often using fermentation to help break down the gel coating around the seeds.
Here's a breakdown of the steps:
1. Choose the Right Cucumber
- Select a cucumber that has grown past the stage you would typically eat it. It should be plump and might even have turned a yellowish color. This indicates the seeds inside are mature.
- Use open-pollinated varieties if you intend to save seeds for future planting, as hybrid seeds may not grow true to the parent plant.
2. Prepare for Seed Extraction
- Wash the exterior of the cucumber thoroughly.
- Gather your tools: a knife, a spoon, a jar or container, and water.
3. Extract the Seeds and Pulp
As shown in the reference, the first step is to cut the cucumber open. Cut the cucumber "In half and there you can see all the seeds."
The reference notes that "We need to get the pulp off the seeds." To do this, "So what we're going to do is scoop out these seeds into a jar of water. So we've got the seeds." Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seed cavity material, which contains the seeds and surrounding pulp, and place it into the jar.
4. Ferment the Seeds
- Add a small amount of water to the jar if you haven't already, just enough to cover the pulp mixture.
- Cover the jar loosely (allowing gases to escape) and let it sit at room temperature for 1-3 days. This process is called fermentation.
- During fermentation, the gel coating around the seeds breaks down, and viable seeds will typically sink to the bottom, while pulp and non-viable seeds float. You might see a foamy or moldy layer on top – this is normal.
5. Clean the Seeds
- After fermentation, carefully skim off and discard any floating pulp and mold from the top of the water.
- Gently pour the water out, being careful not to lose the seeds settled at the bottom.
- Rinse the seeds thoroughly under running water, stirring them gently to remove any remaining pulp or residue. Repeat this rinsing process until the water runs clear and the seeds are clean.
6. Dry the Seeds
- Spread the clean seeds in a single layer on a non-stick surface like parchment paper, wax paper, a ceramic plate, or a fine mesh screen. Avoid paper towels, as the seeds can stick to them.
- Place the drying surface in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. Good air circulation is important.
- Allow the seeds to dry completely for several days to a couple of weeks. Stir them occasionally to ensure even drying. The seeds should be brittle and snap easily when dry.
7. Store the Seeds
- Once completely dry, store the cucumber seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- A paper envelope, small glass jar, or airtight container works well.
- Label the container with the cucumber variety and the date the seeds were harvested. Properly stored cucumber seeds can remain viable for several years.
Following these steps, including scooping the seeds and pulp into water as indicated in the reference, allows you to successfully harvest and save cucumber seeds for future planting.
