Topic: Ripe Pumpkins

[silly billy]

I have a couple of decent sized Jack O Lantern pumpkins that are now orange. Trouble is I have grown them for my children for halloween but am now worried they will rot before then. Anyone got any advice how to keep them until halloween? At the moment they are still on the plant and I am unsure whether to remove them and store them in my shed or leave them on the plant?

[cornykev]

Mine have still a way to go yet. ( Jack O Lantern and Ghost Rider ).   ;D ;D ;D

[Stevens706]

Hi Kev

I’ve only got one pumpkin for Halloween and it’s just turning orange. My plant is now dying off but I read that once ready they will keep for up to 3 months so I would take them off and store them somewhere frost free.

I’m sure some else will either back up my advice or correct it if necessary.

Here in Preston I had ice on my car windscreen this morning so I think I’ll have to pick mine soon.

[Suzanne]

You need to make sure the skins cure so remove any leaves that may stop sunlight getting to the pumpkin. Then as long as there is no frost you can leave until the vine dies back. When you cut the pumpkin - cut enough stalk to make a "handle" as they keep better this way.

You need to store them in a frost free area, I keep mine in a spare unheated bedroom.

My pumpkins and winter squash last year kept well through last winter and I ate my last one (Crown Prince) in March this year.

Hope this helps  :)

[cornykev]

Ice, whats that.  ;D ;D ;D