saving gourd seeds

Question

I grew some ornamental gourds. They are great. How can I save seeds for next year? Zone 5.

Answer 1

Allow the gourds to ripen fully on the vine
Harvest the gourds with a 2 to 3 inch stem still attached.
Wash the gourds and rinse them with a diluted bleach solution.
Place the gourds in a warm and dry location. Laying them on screens is a good idea.
The gourds began to cure and the outer skin forms a shell.
The seeds continue to ripen during this process.
You can then break open the shell and remove the seeds. Remove any pulp residue on the seeds.
Leave the seeds to dry throughly after harvesting.
When they are completely dry you can store them in a jar.