How to Harvest Pumpkins for Best Results
Want a pumpkin that will last until Halloween?
How will I know if a pumpkin is ready to be harvested?
If you have been growing pumpkins it is likely that it is about that time to harvest. However, harvesting pumpkins isn’t always that easy. Today, we are sharing about how to harvest your pumpkins for best results.
Whether you are heading out to the backyard, to the apple orchard, or the local grocery store to pick your fall pumpkin, make sure to read this article before you do.
Coloring
HGTV reports that pumpkins need to be left on the vine until they reach the color you want. Unless you are heading to your backyard you may not have control over that.
It is important to note that they pumpkin will not change color after being picked off the vine, so make sure you pick the color you want when picking pumpkins.
Size
Pumpkins mature by color and not by size. If you want smaller pumpkins, make sure to pick from a variety that grows small pumpkins.
Maturity
The Old Farmer’s Almanac reports that a mature pumpkin will turn a deep, solid color. That color will most likely be orange.
Gardening Know How reports 3 other indicators that your pumpkin is mature and ready to be picked.
- The pumpkin makes a hollow sound when you give it a slap.
- The skin of the pumpkin is tough. Use your fingernail to puncture it. The pumpkin skin should dent and not puncture.
- The stem is hard.
Harvest From the Vine
- If you are harvesting your pumpkin from the vine, use a sharp knife to cut the vine. Make sure you keep the stem long at about 3 – 4 inches.
- Let your newly harvested pumpkin sit in the sun for about a week.
- Make sure to handle it with care.
Summary
Using these tips on how to harvest pumpkins, your pumpkin should last until Halloween and help create fun Halloween memories for you and your family. To find out how to grow pumpkins click on How to Grow Flawless Pumpkins.
