How long to pumpkins last?

wilburbud

Every year, we are SO late on getting pumpkins I never have to worry about it. This year, I want them EARLY. I dont want to carve them yet, but I want to get them to decorate inside and out with.  I live in Central Pa, so we're still having some 80 degree days, but 50 degree mornings.  And some stands are already selling them.  If I buy them now, will they last me until Halloween?

 

moosebaby2011

Last year I had a small pumpkin sitting on my dining room table as a centerpiece literally for MONTHS. As long as they are kept relatively cool and dry they can last a long time, but like I said mine was indoors the whole time. I don't know how long they would last outside in the elements.

sugarland726

I won't be buying a pumpkin until October. I live in NY so the weather is fairly similar. Rotten pumpkins are disgusting to me.

angiek1

My IL's have a farm and grow pumpkins. I was given our first pumpkin this weekend so I hope it lasts! FIL is convinced it will.

bethughknee

I bought pumpkins to use as decorations for my wedding last year in mid-September. I bought them after they'd already been picked from the vine so I don't know how long they'd been separated. We kept them outside on our porch until they were ready to carve. I may have gotten lucky but they never even got squishy on the bottom.

I used them for carving a few days before Halloween and they were still in great shape! And it definitely made me want to get some early again this year.

leighkinpa

If they aren't cut, I think they could last more than a month. I would still wait a few weeks if you want to totally avoid buying a second batch!

Cara1024

If you do cut them, you can wipe the inside with bleach like PP said AND the best tip is to pour a packet of silica gel beads (that come in every shoe box) and it will help keep it fresh. Learned that from pinterest.

LatteLady5

Oh I like this thread. DD's party is a pumpkin party and I was wondering the same thing.

Last year we carved our pumpkin and it only lasted a week before bugs started coming in...blek! I had a bunch of little ones on my table though and they lasted over a month.

LuGal623

Wow you ladies are amazing me with all the pumpkin saving tips and new ways to decorate with them! Love it!

wedbliss5

And I was just wondering if its too early to start getting my fall decor out in my house... sounds like my DH might be out-numbered!

PreDempsey

Ours always get eaten by little squirrel buttfaces.  

apickett925

We have an insane number of squirrels here, so that's always my biggest fear with putting pumpkins outside.  I actually put the bitter spray on it that you use to keep dogs from chewing on stuff.  On his way out the door this morning my husband noticed a pile of black walnut outer stuff on my front steps (and all over my freaking yard) from the stinkin squirrels.  Brazen little rodents.

jessicacss

I have to wait for the pumpkin patch to open by my house so we can take pics and choose a couple for our house, thanks for the tips ladies 

KristaBelieve

I've had good luck with the sugar pumpkins on my doorstep or inside. 

Deblondie1

According to Pinterest, if you rub floor cleaner with wax in it (like the Pledge kind) it will keep you pumpkin perfect for forever. Or Thanksgiving, whichever comes first.

cyndilouwho77

Great to know....last year my DD hide one in her room on a wood shelf.  I kept thinking it was her stinky laundry that I smelled (she is a dancer) but ohhh no by the time I found the sucker he had rotted through the wood shelf, I was soooo pissed of!