Pumpkin Tips 

Selecting Your Pumpkin

Be sure to look over any Pumpkin you are purchasing--check the bottom for soft spots.  Don't try to carry the really big pumpkins by the handle even though the handle "looks" large and sturdy.   To get the absolutely freshest pumpkins with green stems, go into the field and pick-your-own but remember this is a somewhat riskier alternative ( see below ) .

As a general rule, Pumpkins that are blemished or scared by insect hole damage or "off color" are more prone to rot.  Properly cared for, Pumpkins should keep for one or two months if kept out of direct sunlight and covered up on frosty nights.  Once a Pumpkin is carved, however, it's life unfortunately is very short (2 to 4 days).

Even under the best of care, however, some pumpkins will rot. If that happens, just come on back and we will replace it free of charge.  As a general rule, the larger pumpkins are more prone to rots than the smaller pumpkins.  The white Lumina pumpkins in particular, are especially prone to decay during warmer weather. 

When  is the best time to buy a pumpkin

Pumpkins keep best in a shaded location away from direct sun.  If you must display a pumpkin in direct sun, purchase your pumpkin during the last two weeks of October when the weather is cooler.  Keep in mind however, that the shelf life of late maturing pumpkins  not yet "hardened off" / "cured" and  exposed to excessive chilling weather like we had in 2000 and 2001 is unfortunately very short -- these pumpkins are generally much more prone to rot !

The best procedure for long lasting pumpkins is to harvest the pumpkins when they exhibit good color and store them in a dry, shady area at outdoor temperatures for at least a couple of weeks thus allowing them to "cure".  This is what we and other reputable pumpkin growers do on  display pumpkins sold early in the season.  These pumpkins will generally remain in good quality for at least two months after purchase if stored properly until carved.  If you are a family that enjoys wandering the pumpkin fields and picking their own, you would be wise to do this early in the pumpkin season  ( late September to early October ) for several reasons:

Why Pick Your Own pumpkin customers should come early

1.  The selection of pumpkins is much better.  In some years (like 2006 & 2007),  PYO pumpkins in the field were pretty well gone by mid October.

2. You will be able to make sure that the pumpkin is properly cured and thus last longer

3.  You will be able to protect the pumpkins from damaging chilling prior to curing