How to Make Pumpkins Last Through Fall—Even After Carving

You know fall has officially arrived when you walk around your neighborhood and see pumpkins lining the front steps of every home. While they are the ultimate symbol of the season, pumpkins can develop mold and start to rot prematurely, especially when carved or left exposed to the elements. To help your gourds last beyond Halloween, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for making pumpkins last longer—even after carving.

Harvest at the Right Time

If you are growing your own pumpkins, harvesting them at the right time is a determining factor in their longevity. The best time to harvest pumpkins depends on the variety, intended use, and local climate, but Christine Coker, an urban horticulturalist and vegetable specialist at Louisiana State University AgCenter, recommends picking pumpkins when the stem is dry and firm.

Waiting too long to harvest pumpkins leaves them vulnerable to diseases like powdery mildew. "The key to maximizing pumpkin health is to cut it off the vine before disease travels into the stem of the pumpkin," says Joe Ailts, board member of the St. Croix Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. "For many pumpkin producers, this timeframe is the first two weeks in September."

Provide Proper Storage

After harvesting homegrown pumpkins or bringing some home from the pumpkin patch, store the gourds in a cool, dry area away from direct light, such as in a garage or basement. "Excessive heat and moisture will speed up natural decay," says Ailts. Also ensure the space is well-ventilated, as poor air circulation can cause moisture buildup, expediting decay and potential mold growth.

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Keep Them Dry

If you display pumpkins outside as décor during fall, you know it's not always possible to keep them dry. After a rain, our experts recommend wiping your pumpkins down to preserve their lifespan. "Many pumpkins will have a concave shape where the stem meets the fruit, which can hold a small puddle of water," says Ailts. "It is important to drain and dry rainwater from these surfaces to make pumpkins last longer."

Apply Petroleum Jelly to Cuts

Applying petroleum jelly to cuts or carved areas on pumpkins can help them last longer, especially in humid or rainy climates, says Coker. "Use a pea-sized dab per small cut or exposed area. Spread it evenly over the cut using a gloved finger, cotton swab, or clean cloth," she says. Only apply enough to seal the surface, not smother it. Too much petroleum jelly can trap moisture and encourage mold.

Spray With Vinegar

Spraying pumpkins with a mixture of 10 parts water and 1 part vinegar will help slow down mold and bacterial growth. "It’s a safe, natural alternative to bleach and works well for both decorative and edible pumpkins," says Coker. Alternatively, Ailts says you can soak pumpkins in a vinegar bath to enhance pumpkin longevity by creating an acidic surface that is inhospitable to microorganisms that decay pumpkin.