Seeds saved from the fruits of your garden's non-hybrid watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus) can grow into new plants the following season. Different varieties of watermelons can cross-pollinate, which results in seedlings that aren't exactly like their parent plants. So grow only one watermelon variety in the garden if you want to save the seeds. The large seeds separate from the fruits easily, but they require some preparation to store well. Properly saved watermelon seeds can remain viable up to four years.
1. Cut open a ripe watermelon. Scoop the seeds from the melon's flesh, and place them in a strainer.
2. Rinse the seeds with warm tap water, removing most of the pulp. Add one drop of liquid dish soap, and wash the seeds gently to remove the remaining watermelon juice. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with only water.
3. Spread the seeds on a sheet of wax paper. Dry the seeds for one week, turning them once each day so they dry completely.
4. Place the seeds in an envelope, and seal it closed. Label the outside of the envelope with the watermelon variety and the date you harvested the seeds. Put the envelope inside an airtight jar, and put the lid on the jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark room until you are ready to plant the seeds.
Things You Will Need
• Knife
• Strainer
• Liquid dish soap
• Wax paper
• Envelope with seal / Airtight jar with lid
Tip
Watermelon seeds typically germinate within five to seven days after they are planted. If your saved seeds don't germinate during that period, then they may not have retained their viability during harvest and storage.
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