Sowing Pumpkin Seeds in October?

Many preschool classes use the month of October or the fall season to learn more about pumpkins. We can cut the top off a pumpkin to view the inside fibers and seeds. We can cook the pumpkin to make pies, cakes or cookies. We can also plant some pumpkin seeds. This year in the Parent/Child Resource Center I sprouted some old packaged pumpkin seeds to test their germination. I began by placing several seeds in a wet paper towel. I folded the paper towel and placed it in a plastic Ziploc bag. After about a week, I opened the bag and carefully unwrapped the paper towel. Several seeds started to sprout. I placed these in the science area with some pots, soil and a scoop. The children scooped soil into a pot, made a small hole in the soil with their finger and placed one of the sprouting pumpkin seeds into the soil. Next, was to cover the seed with a bit more soil. Lastly, the children watered the seed. The first photo shows the seeds after being in the soil for one week. The second photo shows the sprouts after two weeks. We have these under the grow-light and we will see what happens. How long will the pumpkin vines grow? Will they get pumpkin flowers? Will they get pumpkins? We will wait and see!