I don’t think it’s possible to pick the perfect pumpkin. Pumpkins today aren’t like those plain orange vegetables of my youth. Today, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Some have warts, and others have mottled coloring from green to white.
My own kids have deliberately picked misshapen pumpkins and made some creative Halloween decor for the front porch. While the perfect pumpkin is in the eye of the beholder, a few details when exploring the pumpkin patch can help you pick a lasting, handsome gourd.
When hunting for pumpkins, whether in a field or a large bin at the grocery store, the first thing to look for is if the stem is firmly attached to the pumpkin. A stem 2 to 4 inches long is just the right size. However, avoid the temptation to carry the pumpkin by the stem. Doing so risks tearing it off and creating an opening for rot to set in.
Avoid pumpkins with holes, cuts or soft spots. Inspect each pumpkin top to bottom and brush off any soil that may be hiding a soft spot. While these small imperfections may seem minor, they are chinks in the pumpkin’s armor that allow fungi and bacteria to enter and begin the decomposition process. This is especially important for those who buy pumpkins early in the fall, hoping they last until Halloween or even Thanksgiving.
The rind should feel firm and resist pressure from your fingernail. A strong rind is a sign that the pumpkin is mature and is likely to last longer.
Now that you have brought your pumpkins home, it’s time to decorate. If your pumpkins will be decorative, enjoy clustering, stacking and placing them however your inner designer feels.
If you plan to carve your pumpkins, look at the calendar and weather. A carved pumpkin can last anywhere from five to 10 days before it turns into a flattened mush ball, and that’s assuming ideal weather conditions.
Before carving, check the weather forecast. If temperatures remain cool but above freezing, your pumpkin will last longer. Warm weather speeds decomposition, while freezing temperatures can damage pumpkin tissue and shorten its display life.
Optional steps include rinsing and drying your pumpkin before carving, but avoid using any soap or cleaners. Coat the inside and cut areas of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly to slow decomposition.
One last tip for extending the life of your jack-o’-lantern is to use battery-operated candles. Real wax candles emit a lot of heat, cooking the pumpkin’s flesh and shortening its lifespan. That explains why, as a kid, my pumpkins only lasted Halloween night, and then they were mush.
Once Halloween ends, it’s time to dispose of your pumpkins. Illinois Extension has partnered with SCARCE and several local organizations to offer pumpkin smashes across Illinois. Visit SCARCE.org/pumpkins to find a pumpkin smash nearest you.
