How to Harvest Cucumber Seeds

Overview

Your favorite vegetable varieties may not be available from seed catalogs and nurseries each year, as companies change their stock to fit current gardening fashions. Collecting and saving your own vegetable seeds solves this problem and saves money. If you plan to save seeds, only plant one variety of cucumber in your garden, as cucumbers easily cross-pollinate with other varieties and related plants.

Step 1

Allow two or more cucumbers on the healthiest plant tp mature fully on the vine. Pick once the skin begins to yellow.

Step 2

Slice open the cucumber lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and the gel-like pulp that surrounds them and place into a large glass or jar.

Step 3

Add enough water to the glass to cover the seeds and pulp. Set the jar aside for one week, stirring once a day.

Step 4

Scoop the pulp and any floating seeds, which are not viable, from the surface of the jar with a spoon or carefully pour them off. Remove the viable seeds from the bottom of the jar.

Step 5

Spread the cucumber seeds in a single layer on paper towels. Let dry for one to two weeks.

Step 6

Place dried seeds in an envelope and store in a cool, dry place until spring planting. Alternately, place in a sealed jar and store in the refrigerator.