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Autumn is one of the most magical times of the year. With the changing of seasons, pumpkin packed porches and mantels will be dressed up in warm shades of fall colors. From orange and yellow to red and brown, pumpkin carving season is always an Instagrammable treat! Most people think of Halloween as the time of pumpkin packed decorations. Despite being the star on this celebrated holiday, pumpkin season lasts far longer than a single day. From late September through Thanksgiving, pumpkins grace many spaces–inside and out of our homes.
Chances are, you will want your pumpkins to stay good shape for decorating or simply sitting on your autumn porch display for as much of the lengthy season as possible too. How can you make a pumpkin last longer? Is there a spray that can keep it from rotting? How long will my pumpkin keep if I cut it, or don't cut it? We've got the answers to all those questions and more below to keep you in the know on how to keep pumpkins from rotting.
So as you get ready for a carving session (perhaps while snacking on one of our best pumpkin recipes?), here are some tips for preventing a pumpkin from rotting while you grow it on a vine and how to stop a harvested pumpkin—from a pumpkin patch, your garden, or a store—from turning mushy too soon. Hint: It starts with selecting a pumpkin without cuts, nicks, bruises, or smooshy spots!
How Long Do Pumpkins Last?
First up, you should know the lifespans of pumpkins vary and are affected by whether or not you cut into them. If you keep uncarved pumpkins out of the hot sun or freezing weather, you can expect them to last two to three months–plenty of time to make it through autumn. As to carved pumpkins, they can last as little as a few days, so keep that in mind if you want to display your carved masterpiece on Halloween night.
How to Prevent Pumpkin Rot on the Vine
Water just until fruit appears. "Pumpkins like slightly more irrigation at the flowering stage for proper fruit development," says Patty Buskirk, lead plant breeder and horticulturist at Seeds by Design. "Keep a steady irrigation schedule until the fruit are set, then cut the water off completely when the fruit begin to turn color to reduce rotting risk."
Let nature do her thing. Pumpkins set lots of flowers then drop the fruit the plant can't sustain to maturity. It's fine to leave any mushy fruit on the vines, but gently lift the healthy pumpkins and place them on a small wooden box, straw nest, or small pallet to protect them from getting too wet, says Buskirk.
Try raised beds and hills. If you have loads of problems with rotting fruit, try planting in raised bed planters or hills about 3 to 4 feet wide next year. Sow about 3 to 4 pumpkin seeds per planter or hill, then thin to one or two plants. When the pumpkins are set, place the fruits up on the tops of the planters or beds, which allows the extra water to run off. In smaller gardens, you can grow pumpkins vertically on a trellis or fence, providing additional support for heavy fruit by making little hammocks from bean or pea netting.
How to Prevent Carved Pumpkins From Rotting
Wash down the outside before carving. Keep your carved pumpkins safe from squishiness by wiping down the outside with a diluted bleach solution before carving. This will remove microbes that cause decay. Remove every bit of pulp so you won't attract any bugs, then wipe down all surfaces, inside and out, after you finish your masterpiece.
Stay cool. Keep your carved pumpkin out of direct sunlight and refrigerate it for up to ten days when not on display, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
Choose battery-operated LED lights. Instead of a candle or traditional light strands, which throw too much heat and contribute to rotting, opt for flameless candles, says Buskirk.
Smear on a layer of petroleum jelly. It's not proven, but many people say applying petroleum jelly to the carved edges of your pumpkin helps retain moisture and prevent shriveling. Be sure to wash with the bleach solution first, then let dry before "moisturizing." Hey, it can't hurt!
How to Prevent Uncarved Pumpkins from Rotting
Keep mold at bay. To prevent microbes from turning your pumpkin to mush, use the bleach and water wash or dunk, cleaning all sides of your pumpkin.
Avoid freezing temperatures. Weather that's too cold can lead to decay, so avoid sticking pumpkins in the freezer or exposing them to frost. They store best at temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F and humidity around 50 percent.
Fend off pumpkin-eaters. Unfortunately, nothing's foolproof for keeping rodents such as squirrels away because pumpkins are delectable! They actually love snacking on both carved and uncarved pumpkins. One (messy) solution you can try: Mix hot sauce with water and spray. Repeat every few days or after it's rained. It's not guaranteed, but it just may help! You can try a commercial repellant, too, but be aware they're rotten-egg-smell stinky until the spray dries.
Are you search for pumpkin carving tips? Visit our gallery of Cute Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Halloween to start planning your fabulous autumn decorations. Check out our gallery of 100+ GENIUS HALLOWEEN IDEAS FOR 2023 too for plenty of costume ideas (for kids, adults, and pets!), party recipes, games, scary movie roundups, and much more!
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
