How to Grow a Pumpkin in a Pumpkin: A Fun Gardening Experiment

Growing a pumpkin inside another pumpkin is a fun gardening activity that allows you to observe the full life cycle of a plant. By planting pumpkin seeds in a hollowed-out pumpkin shell and watching sprouts emerge, kids can learn about germination, plant growth, decomposition, and more.

In this article, we’ll cover how to grow a pumpkin in a pumpkin step-by-step. We’ll also discuss the science behind it and tips for making this experiment successful. Let’s grow some pumpkins!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to grow your own pumpkin inside a pumpkin

1. Choose your pumpkins

Select two small to medium-sized pumpkins One will be carved out to hold soil and seeds The other will provide fresh seeds for planting.

Mini pumpkins or sugar pie varieties work best since they aren’t too large Avoid bigger carving pumpkins, which rot faster

2. Scoop out pumpkin #1

Cut off the top of the first pumpkin. Scoop out all the stringy insides, seeds, and pulp. Scrape the insides clean. Only the hollowed shell should remain.

Save the top to place back on later. The pumpkin shouldn’t need holes since it will decompose.

3. Extract and clean seeds

Remove the seeds from the second pumpkin’s interior and rinse off any pulp coating the seeds. Pat seeds dry with a paper towel.

Inspect seeds and pick out any that are damaged or shriveled. Only use healthy white seeds for planting.

4. Add soil and plant seeds

Fill the hollowed pumpkin about 3/4 full with quality potting mix. Make sure soil is damp, not soggy.

Plant 3-5 pumpkin seeds, evenly spaced and pushed down about 1 inch into the soil.

5. Lightly water and close up

Lightly water the planted seeds without saturating. Place the pumpkin top back on. If it doesn’t stay, that’s fine.

6. Watch it grow!

Set the planted pumpkin in a spot with sun exposure and wait. Check daily and keep the soil moist but not soaked.

Within a few days, sprouts should emerge! Remove the top once leaves open to prevent mold.

7. Transplant outside

When sprouts have 4-6 leaves, transplant the whole pumpkin outside into garden soil and watch your pumpkin vine continue growing.

The Science Behind It

Growing pumpkins inside pumpkins lets you observe some fascinating science:

• Germination – Seeing seeds sprout demonstrates how dormant seeds spring to life when conditions are right.

• Seed coats – The coats protect seeds until water penetrates them, allowing the embryo to emerge.

• Seed nutrients – Food stored within seeds provides an initial energy source for seedlings to grow.

• Decomposition – As the pumpkin shell slowly breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil for the plant.

• Plant life cycle – All stages are seen – seed, germination, seedling, rapid vine growth, flowers, and ultimately fruit/seeds again.

• Heirloom cycle – The next generation of pumpkins grows nourished by the previous one.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to ensure your pumpkin experiment goes smoothly:

• Start with fresh, unblemished pumpkins without mold or rot.

• Thoroughly clean out strings and pulp, which can harbor mold.

• Use sterile potting mix, not garden soil which may contain diseases.

• Allow freshly extracted seeds to dry before planting.

• Plant multiple seeds in case some don’t germinate.

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Give pumpkins plenty of sun.

• Once sprouted, remove lid to prevent mold from humidity.

• Transplant the pumpkin plant into the ground once established.

Enjoy a Botanical Learning Experience

Growing a pumpkin inside another pumpkin provides a fun hands-on gardening activity. Kids will love peeking in to check progress as sprouts emerge from seeds. The final product delivers an amazing conclusion when a mature vine unfurls from the original pumpkin shell. Enjoy spring harvesting whatever type of pumpkin you planted!

Have you tried growing pumpkins in pumpkins before? Share your experiences in the comments! I’d love to hear any tips you have to make this experiment even more successful.