How to Make Pumpkins Last Through Fall
It's time to get excited about all things fall—bonfires, trick-or-treating, and lots of pumpkin décor! Although fresh pumpkins are preferred, they’re bound to shrivel away like other fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make pumpkins last longer. Here’s how to keep pumpkins from rotting so your seasonal accents stay pristine.
6 Tips for Making Pumpkins Last Longer
While many fall holiday decorations can weather the season, pumpkins are particularly tricky. One day, you’re coming up with cool pumpkin ideas, and the next day, you’re throwing away your moldy gourd. To make pumpkins last through fall, try these pumpkin preservation tips:
1. Treat Your Pumpkins with Care
Just like apples, pumpkins are susceptible to accidental bruising, too. When you pick your prized pumpkin, handle it with care. Don’t roll it, bump it, or toss it. Gently lift, carry, and set the pumpkin down where it can safely make its way to your home. Mishandling a pumpkin from the get-go can lead to quicker deterioration.
2. Start with a Thorough (but Gentle) Clean
Clean the exterior of the pumpkin with a DIY cleaning solution. Pour a small amount of bleach (just a teaspoon should do) into a gallon of water and soak your pumpkin. Leave it for at least 20 minutes, then dry it completely with a paper towel. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies, especially the area around the stem.
3. Keep Them Cool, but Not Frozen
The conditions in which you store your pumpkin matter. Pumpkins (carved or not) do better in cool environments. Keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid placing them on damp ground. While the chilly fall air is usually good for pumpkins, frost is not. On nights when the temperature drops, consider bringing your pumpkin inside.
4. Moisturize Your Pumpkins
Dryness is the first sign of a pumpkin going bad. What’s worse, it’ll start drying out the minute it's cut open. Moisturizing a pumpkin might sound silly, but it's essential to making it last. Swipe petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on the cut edges to seal in moisture, stop shriveling, and prevent pumpkin mold.
5. Prioritize Pest Control
The spookiest part of your fall porch décor, carved pumpkins are particularly susceptible to bugs, squirrels, and other pests. To keep bugs and rodents from feasting on the pumpkin, make sure to clean out all its "guts". It might also be helpful to spray the inside with bleach water and cover the outside surface with a thin wash of lemon juice.
6. Skip Candles
A small tea light inside your pumpkin gives it a stunning glow. However, the heat from these flames dries out the interior, causing it to rot faster. Opt for a battery-operated light to keep your pumpkin fresh and get the same look without the risk.
How to Pick the Best Pumpkin
While our pumpkin preservation tips will certainly help your pumpkins last longer, there's no replacement for simply picking the best of the bunch. As you're searching through pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, or browsing the store, look out for the following:
- Color: For Halloween pumpkins, you want a vibrant orange. However, other colors might work for more general fall décor. Blue and white pumpkins are known for their lasting durability.
- Firmness: Inspect your pumpkin for soft spots, bruising, or mushiness. Even a little softness is a sign of a bad pumpkin.
- Stem: A healthy stem often means an overall healthier pumpkin. Go for dark green or black stems and stay away from broken ones.
- Shape: The right shape for your pumpkin depends on its purpose. If this pumpkin is destined to become a jack-o'-lantern, pick something round or oval-shaped.
- Blemishes: Be aware of cracks, punctures, holes, dark or discolored spots, or mold. This could mean the pumpkin is either already infested with bugs or spoiled.
The Fingernail Test
The health of every type of pumpkin can be tested by a simple fingernail test. Using gentle pressure, try to scratch the pumpkin's rind. A mature, healthy pumpkin should be firm and scratch-resistant. If the pumpkin scratches easily, the fruit may have been picked too soon and is likely to rot quicker than normal.
Pumpkin Carving Tips for Optimal Durability
Although every pumpkin will ultimately go bad, you can take several steps to slow the process and make your pumpkin last longer. Follow our tips for long-lasting pumpkins and check out our pumpkin carving tips for optimal durability.
Pumpkin Preservation FAQs
How long do Halloween pumpkins last?
It depends on the climate where you live and the health of your pumpkin. But generally, carved pumpkins last up to five days, while uncarved pumpkins can sit pretty for several weeks or months.
Do pumpkins last longer inside or outside?
Pumpkins usually last longer when stored inside, provided they're kept in a cool, shaded area.
Do pumpkins rot in the sun?
Eventually, all pumpkins will rot outdoors, and direct sun exposure can cause them to wither away even faster.
Do pumpkins go bad inside?
While pumpkin décor inside the house will last longer than on the porch, it will eventually go bad, too.