My pumpkin is ripe but how do I keep it until Halloween?

Question

I've got a great big pumpkin that will make the best Jack o'Lantern. But it's August! How do I keep it from rotting before Halloween? I haven't picked it yet but the stem is turning a little dry and I was told to pick it when this happens. And yes, it is fully orange with no green spots.

Answer 1

They can last a long time. Leave on the vine as long as you can. Putting a board under your ripening pumpkin will deter bugs, moles and rotting from underneath. When the stem is completely dried, you can remove the pumpkin...leaving a 4 -5 in. stem.

Cure in the field for 10 days.

Store in a cool, dry place, such a spare room (root cellars are too damp) at 45 to 60 degrees F. up to a month even longer stored in a cool, dry and dark place(if possible) 50 to 55°F. Refrigerate for up to three months

Wash skins in a solution of about a tablsp to 1 Cup of bleach to a gallon of water to disinfect the skin and discourage mold or rot. Dry immediately as dampness encourages spoilage. If you find mold, wipe with vegetable oil to remove the mold and seal the spot.

Make sure your pumpkin has air circulation to help prevent moisture from forming on the surfaces of the fruit and to retard the growth of decay fungi and bacteria.

Avoid hot and humid places
Pumpkins are best stored on a board or piece of cardboard.
Do not store on a cement floor or with apples to prevent rot.
Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

How To Store Pumpkin

Answer 4

Just put it in a cool dry spot in the shade and keep it from getting any damage(if the skin gets broken or bruised it will rot) and hope for the best... good luck to you and your pumpkin

Answer 5

Keep it on the vine. It will probably get bigger, but as long as the vine is healthy, your pumpkin will be too.

Answer 6

freezer