Tips on Making Pumpkins Last

Pumpkins are one the best things of the fall season. The bright orange orbs (and sometimes green or white) are an easy and festive way to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Plus they yield tasty treats such as pumpkin pie, cookies, bread and pumpkin seed brittle.

Pumpkins that are not carved are relatively easy to care for and often last through Thanksgiving. Tips on prolonging the life of a pumpkin are:

1. Set pumpkin(s) on a solid surface so the skin doesn’t get nicked or punctured. Once that happens they will begin to deteriorate quickly.
2. If you live in an area where there is medium to heavy frost at night, lay a blanket over the pumpkins that are outside in the yard or on the porch at night. Remove the covering shortly after the sun comes up each morning.
3. If you live in a warmer climate in the southern region, place the pumpkins in a cool, shaded area. Keeping them in an air conditioned environment is even better.
4. You can also spray clear acrylic spray over the pumpkins to help them last longer. It makes them shinier, too!

Most likely, you’ll carve at least one of your pumpkins into a Jack-o-lantern or some other artistic masterpiece. Caring for carved pumpkins takes a bit more work. After all, carving your pumpkin includes removing its ‘brains’ (the slimly fibers inside), so the little guys can’t take care of themselves anymore. Preserve your carved pumpkins by:

1. Keeping it on a solid surface so the skin doesn’t get nicked or punctured.
2. Once the brains and seeds are removed, coat the inside with either petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening or a commercial pumpkin preserving spray. The spray can be purchased at most floral supply shops or online. Using one of these methods will keep your pumpkin looking fresh for approximately 2-3 weeks.
3. Keep the pumpkin hydrated and protected against mold with a bleach wash every day. This will also preserve your “veggie art.” Mix 2 tablespoons bleach with a gallon of water. Set the pumpkin in the mixture for a few minutes each day, and voila! However, if this is a lot of trouble or if the pumpkin is too big, spray your pumpkin inside and out each day with bleach household cleaning spray.
4. Clean and treat the pumpkins inside and out. And don’t forget to do the underneath side of the lid.
5. Keep your pumpkin safe from frost by bringing it in at night or covering it with a towel or blanket.

Just remember that a carved pumpkin is fruit that’s been cut. And once it has been cut it is only going to last so long before mold and deterioration set in. Instead of carving your pumpkin, consider painting funny faces or creative designs using acrylic paints or even permanent markers.

No matter how long they last (or not), this fall produce will always be a favorite of children and adults everywhere. Pumpkins are great fun, so enjoy!