It got bigger, and longer, and thicker, and heavier... and it got more curved. It changed color and looked ready to explode. When it was nice and yellow and I was sure the seeds were mature, I picked that massive cuke and brought it inside!
Over a foot long and a few inches across, this girthy monster grew during mid Summer up here in Northern BC Canada. Most of the cucumbers we picked and ate from these plants were small, dark green, and delicious. We let this one and 3 others go to seed.
Once fully mature and ripe, a quick slice reveals a bounty inside: the next generation of cucumber plants sleeping in tiny elliptical pods!
A spoon is used to scoop out the seeds in their clear jelly.
The empty cuke goes into the compost, while the seeds (and jelly) go into some water for cleaning. Then, they're rinsed to remove the jelly, and strained.
Next, the clean seeds are spread out on some paper towel:
After a few days somewhere with a bit of airflow, they're fully dehydrated and ready for storing!
You may be intimidated or feel threatening by that huge load of heirloom seeds, and that would be natural. But hey, I'm willing to share! If you need seeds for Spring, just let me know and I'll hook you up.
Grow in peace.
DRutter