When to Harvest Pumpkins

Posted by TopVeg - September 13th, 2008

pumpkinsWhen to harvest pumpkins & how long to leave pumpkins (Latin name - Cucurbita pepo) growing in the garden is a problem, particularly when they will be needed for Halloween at the end of the month.

The pumpkins are in danger of being caught by an early frost, or developing some rot, if left out in the garden. But can they be safely stored inside, so that they last for the important date?

Harvest Pumpkins:

  • when the shell has hardened completely
  • do not damage or break off the stem
  • handle the pumpkin carefully to avoid bruising

Store Pumpkins, to avoid chances of post-harvest rots:

  • out of the sun
  • in cool, dry conditions
  • on padding, which will not sweat
  • if storing for a long time, wash the pumpkin in a solution made up of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 parts water. Then dry.

Pumpkins handled gently and stored correctly will keep in good condition for Halloween.

Posted in children

5 Comments »

  1. We are harvesting pumpkins in the school garden - so will follow your instructions.
    How are you?
    I have been off blogging for a month -needed a break and was incredibly busy. But i am back now!
    CH

    Comment by Great Big Veg challenge - September 13, 2008 6:56 am

  2. Hi GBVC

    Are you cooking pumpkin pie, too? Pumpkin soup is really good!

    Comment by TopVeg - September 15, 2008 5:02 pm

  3. I love pumpkins! You can make so many yummy things with that veggie…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Comment by Rosa - September 15, 2008 6:29 pm

  4. Question-my pie pumpkins are still green yet we may be dipping into the 40s overnight, so to keep things warm I’ve covered them with a hog panel hoop and visquine. They are warm but will they develop their orange color before long?

    Comment by Deb - September 22, 2008 6:16 am

  5. Hi Deb

    Do you uncover the pumpkins in the day? They will need some light to develop their orange colour.

    Also, it is worth putting something under the pumpkin to keep it off the wet ground, to avoid it rotting

    Once the pumpkins are ripe, cut them off the vine so that you have a 3-4″ stem. If you plan on storing through the winter you might want to cure them to further harden their skins. You do this by putting them in a warm place - ideally about 80-85F - for 10 days. If it is warm out you can cure the pumpkin in the sun or indoors in a warm place. After curing, you will want to store them in a cool dark place - between 45 and 55F is ideal. Lay them out in a single layer without touching each other.

    Comment by TopVeg - September 23, 2008 7:27 am

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