How to Make Your Pumpkins Last Longer
FOR A PUMPKIN-TASTIC FALL
There’s just something about pumpkins that makes fall feel complete. Whether you’ve got them stacked by the front door, lined up on the porch steps, or tucked into your table centerpiece, pumpkins bring instant autumn charm.
The only downside? They don’t always last as long as we’d like. But with a few simple tricks, you can stretch their season and enjoy those festive beauties all the way through Halloween—and even into Thanksgiving!
Here are our favorite tips from our garden center to your fall home:
1. Start with a Healthy Pumpkin
The best pumpkins last the longest. Look for ones that feel nice and firm, without soft spots or cuts.
A sturdy, green stem is a good sign too. And remember—always lift from the bottom, not the stem, to keep it from snapping.
2. Keep Them Cool & Dry
Pumpkins don’t love hot sun or damp spots. If you can, display them in a shady, cool area, and keep them off wet ground.
A porch, step, or straw bale makes a perfect perch.
3. Give Them a Quick Clean
Before you set them out, wipe your pumpkins with a simple solution to help fend off mold and bacteria. You can use a mild bleach & water solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water) or a vinegar & water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).
Both do the trick and give your pumpkins a fresher start.
4. Wait to Carve
As soon as you carve into a pumpkin, the clock starts ticking. If you’re planning a jack-o’-lantern, hold off until just a few days before Halloween to keep it looking its best.
Until then, enjoy those pumpkins whole.
5. Seal & Protect
Carving anyway? Try sealing the cut edges with a little petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, or even a spritz of cooking spray to slow down the drying out.
For whole pumpkins, a quick coat of clear acrylic spray can act like a protective shield.
6. Soak to Refresh
If your carved pumpkin starts to wrinkle or droop, don’t give up just yet. Let it soak in a tub of cold water for a few hours.
It’ll rehydrate and plump back up—at least for a little while longer!
7. Keep an Eye on the Weather
A sudden frost can spell disaster for pumpkins.
If temps dip, bring them inside overnight to keep them firm and fresh.
Time to go Pumpkin Picking!
With just a little care and these tips, your pumpkins can carry you through the whole season.
That means more cozy fall vibes and fewer mushy surprises!
