How long can/should I leave a pumpkin on its vine?

Question

We have a few wild pumpkins growing (this isn't the first time - apparently they're easy to start). One of them is nice and orange, although not huge.

Can I just leave it on as long as possible (I mean, before the first frost) or is there a point where I should pull it? I'm starting to see some discoloration on it.

Note: I'm in northern New England.

Answer 1

Typically until first freeze. As long as your vine stays healthy and in tact then your pumpkin will be fine and even continue to grow.

Answer 2

You can leave your pumpkin on even through a light frost. Some wait til the vines have withered to harvest their pumpkins. Then they are left to cure in the field for 10 days. A light frost will not damage the pumpkins themselves. However...all mature pumpkins should be harvested before temperatures drop into the mid to low 20's.
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/9-12-1997/harvpump.html

You'll know your pumpkin is fully ripe when the stems are dry and the skin resists penetration by a thumbnail. Don't harvest it until the skin has reached full color and has hardened. Another sign that a pumpkin is ready to be harvested is that the stem starts to crack.

Here's a chart of 'Days to Maturity" that includes several pumpkin varieties:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/Garden/07609.html

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I would leave it as long as possible till like mid Oct.I have Pumpkins and I don't want to take them off the vine,As long as there on the vine they are still growing.