Understanding when pumpkins are ready to be picked will help you enjoy a joyous fall season. However, in order to guarantee the quality and longevity of pumpkins, it is crucial to pick them at the right time.
“Pumpkins harvested too early won’t have formed the hard skin that will keep them safe in storage.” Those that are left too late risk becoming overripe, which could weaken their structure and cause rot.
Your pumpkins can be kept for two months or longer if you harvest them at the correct time, so you can start Halloween in style. Here, plant specialists share their best advice on when to harvest your pumpkins so you can take advantage of the vibrant fall foliage.
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Signs Your Pumpkin is Read For Picking
Indications That a Pumpkin Is Ready to Be Picked
There are certain important indicators to watch for on the skin and leaves of pumpkins if you’re unsure when to harvest them.
Rich Color
Your pumpkin ought to be completely colored. The skin hardens and takes on its typical hue, which is frequently deep orange. When pressed with a fingernail, it should not pierce easily.
Matte Skin
The skin of young pumpkins is glossy. Waiting until the skin is matte and dull, indicating that the pumpkin is completely grown, is the best course of action.
Hard Stems and Withering Leaves
The canopy withering down is another indication to keep an eye out for. The canopy, which is made up of the leaves and stems of pumpkins, protects them while they grow. The canopy begins to lower as the pumpkins get older, revealing the ripe fruit.
Tap Test
When you tap the pumpkin, you should hear a hollow sound. The pumpkin is ripe and ready to be harvested when it makes a hollow sound.
Timing
If you plant pumpkins in late spring or early summer, you may usually harvest them in the fall. Usually, 90 to 120 days after planting, they are ready. Harvest time may vary depending on the type of pumpkin you have and the weather. In warm weather, pumpkins grow faster, and in cool weather, they ripen more slowly. “Growth will be accelerated by heat and slowed by cold. Maybe the worst thing you can do is put things off. If you leave pumpkins on the vine for too long, they can develop a number of issues.
Tips for Curing and Storing
Pumpkins will have the longest shelf life if they are cured and kept in a dry location after harvest. Curing the pumpkin extends its shelf life and hardens its skin. For this procedure, a warm, bright location is ideal.
A crucial step in improving the quality and shelf life of pumpkins is post-harvest curing. For roughly 10 to 14 days, the pumpkins must be kept in a warm, well-ventilated place so that the skin may completely solidify and the fruit can heal any small injury. If you’re cooking them, this method enhances their flavor in addition to extending their shelf life.
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