When best harvested for halloween

[ktlawson]

This is my first years success with pumpkins.  I have 3, one on each plant that are for the kids at haloween.  Am I best to leave them on the plant till the day or do they need to be harvested now to harden off?

[chriscross1966]

I had mine out a couple of weeks ago, they've finished off ripening up in the conservatory nicely.... Inot risk the frost getting to them and if they're on an allotment, the closer we get tot he time the more likely some little git is to make off with them...... local Coop wnats 2.50 each for not particularly big pumpkins..... so that means my one off saved seed on a pile of manure I had anyway that had little or no care through the summer produced 17.50 worth of pumpkins......

chrisc

[Growing4twins]

Ahh, Chris u have just ansered my question for me.  I wasn't sure when to pick my pumpkins.  All the foliage has died off on my plants but the fruit isnt quite ripe yet.  I didnt know if they would ripen once they were picked.  Thanks for that, now all i have to do is figure out wot to do with the actual flesh, seems a waste just to throw it away & im not really a lover of pumpkin pie.  Maybe soup is on the menu this year, do u have a ny good recipies??

[ceres]

Made these two recipes last week and they're bioth delicious:

http://lovebritishfood.co.uk/recipes/soups/pumpkin-soup-with-ginger-and-chilli/

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4777/halloween-pumpkin-cake

[ktlawson]

My 3 pumpkins are now harvested and sitting in the greenhouse until next week.  Hope this is right and that they will not rot.....

[Borlotti]

Just cut up one pumpkin, roasted some of it and made soup with the rest.  Easy recipe with onion, milk, veg stock and then add grated cheese and cream.  Tasted OK so if you want the recipe will post it, only 3 more pumpkins to go.

[chriscross1966]

Yes please.... although most of the pumpkins got used for Halloween (brother, his neighbour, mum, mate at work) I've still got one left, it's the smallest of them.... I've got 3 varieties for next year, Baby Bear, Becky and Atlantic Giant.... having tried it before I won't be eating the AG but the otehr two are supposed to be good eating...

chrisc