How to Save Zucchini Seeds

Zucchinis, also called courgettes, are elongated members of the squash family. Technically a fruit, zucchini is usually cooked and served as a vegetable, and is ready to pick and eat in about 40 days from seed. However, zucchini seeds are too supple and immature to collect at this point. Seeds require a longer maturation period, and are not ready to harvest until the zucchini and its seeds fully ripen in approximately 60 to 70 days after planting.

Knife

Spoon

Strainer

Paper towels

Paper bag

Wait for your zucchinis to fully mature in your garden before you pick them. They're ready to harvest for seeds when the green variety turn yellow and the white species darken into a beige shade. Zucchinis require a minimum of two full months to fully ripen from seed.

Pick the zucchinis and bring them inside when they are ready. Put them in a cool, dry area of your house that you won't need to use for some time. Let them sit and dry out for about a month. Some larger zucchinis might require nearly two full months to desiccate.

Cut the zucchinis in half, lengthwise, once they have dried out. You'll see seeds that are fully mature and ready to harvest in the center portion of the zucchinis.

Scoop out the seeds from the inner, fleshy areas and put them into a strainer. Wash them thoroughly to remove any fleshy matter.

Take the clean seeds out of the strainer, and spread them out onto paper towels. Spread them out evenly so all of the seeds can thoroughly dry out. Leave them to sit and dehydrate for about one to three days.

Collect the dry seeds and put them into a paper bag. Store them in a cool, dry place for next year.