How to Keep Pumpkins From Rotting
Recently updated - Fall 2024
Are you someone that longs for your home, entryway, or stairway to be filled with all the beautiful colors, shapes, and textures of pumpkins and gourds this Fall season?
With seasonal decor hitting store shelves and social media feeds earlier and earlier each year, you might be tempted to start decorating for the Fall season before Starbucks even announces its Pumpkin Spice Latte.
It’s me. I am this person.
And, if you are anything like me then you are likely to be currently pushing a cart full of pumpkins in the middle of August, and wondering how in the world are people keeping their pumpkins from rotting before the end of the season?
Let’s Talk How to Keep Pumpkins From Rotting
Here’s what we will cover in this post:
How long do pumpkins last?
Three tips to help pumpkins last longer
How long do pumpkins last?
Before you consider the tips for how to keep pumpkins from rotting, it’s important to have realistic expectations for the longevity of your pumpkin from the start. (Tips or not, you won’t magically add months to the lifespan of your precious pumpkin.)
Uncarved pumpkins: According to Farmer’s Almanac, you can expect an uncarved pumpkin to last anywhere from 1-3 months. When stored at room temperature, you can expect closer to 1 month, vs. 2-3 when stored in a cool, dark place.
Carved pumpkins: Once a pumpkin is carved, its longevity is greatly reduced. You can expect your jack o’lantern to last just up to one week.
3 Tips to Help Pumpkins Last Longer
Choose the right pumpkin from the start: Pumpkins from your local farm or field will be fresher than those shipped to the grocery store. When selecting your pumpkin, choose one that feels healthy, is void of any soft spots, and is without damage to its stem. Try not to hold the pumpkin by the stem, as this can cause breakage.
Give your pumpkin a bath: Wash pumpkins free from any dirt, mold-causing microbes, or other elements that could cause their surface to deteriorate. Two recommended methods include:
Bleach and Water: Mix one part bleach to ten parts water in a large sink or bucket, and submerge your pumpkin for at least two minutes.
Vinegar and Water: Mix one part vinegar to ten parts water in a large sink or bucket, and submerge pumpkins for 20-30 minutes.
For both methods, rinse pumpkins and allow ample time to dry before placing them in the decor.
Bonus: Make a spray using either solution and spritz pumpkins throughout the season to keep mold at bay.
Be cool, don’t be all uncool: Display pumpkins out of direct sunlight, and in shadier areas with cooler temperatures. Use battery-operated candles in carved pumpkins vs. open flames that add heat and cause deterioration.
More Seasonal Inspiration and Fall RV Decor Ideas:
You might also be interested in:
Spice Up Your Fall RV Decor in 7 Steps
How to DIY Fall Macramé Leaves
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