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Robin Gale-Baker, from Sustainable Macleod, discusses harvesting pumpkins. This is one of a series of articles she has written about growing various veggies (see right hand sidebar). She has also written a number of articles about growing various herbs, growing various fruit trees and general growing techniques.
A version of this article was first published on the Sustainable Macleod website.
Also, read Helen Simpson’s article about growing cucurbits.
Pumpkins take a long time and a lot of space to grow so harvesting, curing and storing them carefully is important to avoid this time and space being wasted.
How to harvest pumpkin
- Use secateurs or loppers to cut the stem leaving around 10cm of stalk attached.
- Do not carry the pumpkin using the stalk as a handle as the stalk may pull away (use immediately if this happens).
- Select pumpkins individually for harvesting as those on a vine will not all ripen at the same time.
- Handle carefully and avoid bruising or cuts in the rind.
What are the signs that a pumpkin is ready for picking?
- The stem needs to have withered i.e. changed from green to brown and dried out. The withered stem seals the pumpkin from insect entry and prevents rot where the stalk attaches to the fruit.
- The rind needs to be hard and not mark when a fingernail is pushed into it.
- The pumpkin has a hollow sound when knocked on.
- It has turned the colour typical of the variety.
- It may smell ‘pumpkiny’ around the stalk.
- As the pumpkin is nearing ripeness, the leaves will begin to lose colour and crisp around the edges indicating the vine is dying.
Can you pick a pumpkin too early? Definitely!
- Pumpkins that do not exhibit the above characteristics begin to deteriorate and then rot very quickly.
- If the pumpkin is a variety that grows green and changes colour as it ripens, it will typically not mature further after harvesting. If it was ‘almost’ mature, it may be possible to ripen it by exposing it to the sun and turning it every few days but there is no guarantee. Pumpkins that have begun to change colour may sometimes ripen.
Can you pick a pumpkin too late? Yes!
- Pumpkins need to be harvested before the first frost or before heavy rain occurs around the time of maturity. Do not allow pumpkins to sit on soggy soil. If they are not quite ready, raise them onto straw or a straw bale or even an off-cut of timber.
- If you need to harvest early, store pumpkins in a warm place (27-30 degC) for two weeks.
Curing pumpkins
- Once harvested, the rind needs to harden. To achieve this, place the pumpkin on its side (so moisture cannot pool around the stalk or in the ridges) in a sunny spot, and turn every few days. A wooden deck or shelf is ideal for this.
- Rest the pumpkin on newspaper, straw or a rack. It is important that air can circulate around the whole pumpkin and especially beneath it.
- Cure for at least a week (but longer if possible).
Storing pumpkins
- Do not store on bare ground or garden soil or concrete.
- Place straw or newspaper beneath the pumpkin and store it on its side.
- Store in a dark, cool, dry place, keeping the pumpkin dry. A temperature range of 10-16 degC is ideal. A higher temperature may cause the pumpkin to become stringy whilst a lower temperature may result in a loss of quality.
- Store in a single layer.
- Inspect weekly to check for any soft spots including beneath the pumpkin. Discard any that are rotting.
Rat attack
Pumpkins are often attacked by rats, who love the sweet, soft flesh. They will bite into the rind and then hollow out the flesh, leaving the shell which may look, from a distance, as though it is still intact. One issue is that rats can be more astute than the gardeners at knowing when pumpkins are ripe and harvest ready. Just as we may identify a ‘pumpkiny’ smell around the stalk, so do rats. My advice is to check your pumpkins daily when they are close to full maturity and be prepared to harvest as soon as most of the criteria are met. Storage in a rat proof environment is then a necessity. Make sure there is nothing rats can climb up (e.g. wooden legs supporting a rack) to reach the pumpkins, which will be even more tempting to them as the pumpkins become sweeter.
56 Responses to “Harvesting, curing and storing pumpkins”
Saul says:
June 21, 2024 at 20:00
Hi, I harvested 4 or 5 kent pumpkins that grew from compost I’d put down. The problem is that the orange flesh is really stringy. Why is this? I buy Kents from a supermarket and the flesh is not stringy. Can you help me understand what I may have done wrong? I’m in Sydney, so pumpkins grown during warm/hot weather.
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
June 25, 2024 at 21:20
Hi Saul,
As it grew out of a compost heap, one reason might be that they are not true Kent because they have cross-pollinated with a more stringy variety. My other suggestion is about storage: the ideal storage temperature is between 10-16 degree centigrade and above that pumpkins can become stringy. Also, perhaps temperatures in Sydney contribute and the ones you buy are grown in colder conditions.
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Craig B says:
April 17, 2024 at 20:35
My pumpkin vine is still green and flourishing, putting out new female pumpkin flowers daily, however, I’ve already had 3 pumpkins reach maturity to a size where they split, so now I’m trying to harvest just before they reach the size where they split. But as I said above, the vine is still healthy, no browning leaves or stem… is this the right thing to do or is there another way to prevent splitting while waiting for the whole vine to start dying off?
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
April 19, 2024 at 11:25
Hi Craig,
I don’t know of any way to prevent splitting. You are doing the right thing by keeping an eye on them and harvesting before they split.
Robin
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Ellen smith says:
April 11, 2024 at 13:33
I picked the pumpkin thinking it was ready but when I cut it I found out that it wasn’t ripe. What can I do to fix this?
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Guy Palmer says:
April 13, 2024 at 16:47
There is nothing that you can do because pumpkins don’t ripen after being picked.
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Pip says:
March 25, 2024 at 21:49
First time pumpkin grower, I have a Kent vine loaded with lovely looking pumpkins, the vine is just starting to die off now, pumpkins have the grey ghosting over their skins, stalk is still fairly green though. We have rain here for the next four to five days, should I take the risk and pick them? I’m worried they will rot.
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Guy Palmer says:
April 1, 2024 at 12:41
Hi Pip,
Sorry not to reply earlier.
I think you should harvest them now.
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Megan says:
April 25, 2024 at 16:54
Frosts have begun but stems on pumpkins are still green, do I harvest them …
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Guy Palmer says:
April 26, 2024 at 08:28
Hi Megan,
I think it is now a close call. Maybe leave them for, say, another fortnight then pick them.
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Heidi says:
March 10, 2024 at 15:48
Hi. I am growing the giant Naples pumpkins – they have a variegated rind and are supposed to be bright yellow/orange inside. Have just opened one which has been curing for a few weeks and the flesh is a pale colour. Have I harvested it too soon? We had horrendously hot days (46 degrees) and the pumpkins were beginning to turn yellow so I picked them to avoid further damage. Also tried with some Queensland blue pumpkins and they were the same.
What am I doing wrong?
The vine is still producing heaps now that the weather is less hot. How should I deal with the upcoming harvest?
Cheers
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Guy Palmer says:
March 13, 2024 at 08:39
How to the pumpkins that you have harvested and cured taste?
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Lionel says:
March 29, 2024 at 20:22
Hi Heidi, as the article states, the stalk should change from a green to brown colour, and the rind garden. At this stage it’s no longer getting nutrients from the vine and is ripening.
See AlsoDon't Ruin Thanksgiving With These Common Pumpkin Pie MistakesReheating Guidelines | How to reheat your pie delivery from Goddard's PiesTry Blind Baking a Pie Crust and You'll See Why It's So ImportantPerfect Apple PieI’ve previously transported pumpkins for years, and every pumpkin looked different. Different shapes and sizes and colours. Presumably they were picked slightly ripe to ripen in transit and in rooms and market floors.
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Arthur says:
March 24, 2024 at 18:00
I have first timer Kent pumpkins I see I. Stores or supermarkets they are not big as big Queensland blues. I have big Kent’s. Totally unsure when to cut them. I know brown stem. Hollow knock. Leaves look like drying. But when I watch Youtube they cut with long green stork . Will it ripen after you cut. Totally confused. Anyone throw some light on the subject? Please. Thank you.
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Guy Palmer says:
April 1, 2024 at 12:44
Hi Arthur,
It sounds to me likke you should harvest them now.
No, pumpkins do not ripen after being harvested.
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Eve says:
April 13, 2024 at 12:47
I’ve always understood the stem has to go ‘cork’ like before harvested however I noticed last week that cork likeness can go very flaky. I also learnt this season about another clue re readiness. Starting at the fruit stem, work along the main stem toward the centre until you reach the first tendril. If it has dried off the pumpkin is ready. When the stalk has dried off and gone ‘cork’ like it is very obvious. When that first tendril has dried off, that is also clear. Patience, patience, patience. PS: the tendril tip also is an indicator for watermelon.
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Kathleen says:
March 3, 2024 at 15:33
Hello this is my first time growing Queensland blue pumpkins. I have a couple of pumpkins that all the leaves have died. But only 1 of them have the stalk is about 5 to 6 cm of it is brown. Would it be ready to be picked?
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Guy Palmer says:
March 3, 2024 at 21:25
I would with them until the stems wither. Whilst the steams are still green, the pumpkins are still receiving nutrients from the plant.
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Sarah Kinnwar says:
February 29, 2024 at 22:27
Really appreciate your time and effort in this blog, answered all my questions! I live in Daylesford Victoria – cool climate – so waiting for the vines to wither and I will harvest when the stalks are dry! Thank you!
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Lionel says:
March 29, 2024 at 20:24
Hi Sarah, as summer is now over and the overnight temps drop off, watch for frost, which will kill the vine and cut the pumpkin off and it will start to ripen as it’s no longer growing.
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Megan says:
February 16, 2024 at 13:13
My pumpkins were climbing and got too heavy and sagged to ground. There is a split in vine. It is a yellowish not green jap. Should I harvest now? In Adelaide Hills
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Guy Palmer says:
February 16, 2024 at 13:23
Hi Megan,
If the split is such that sap is not longer getting across, then you might as well harvest now. But if there is a possibility that sap is still reaching the pumpkin, I would leave it until the stem starts to wither.
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Bruce Trollope says:
January 27, 2024 at 08:06
I have tried growing Jap, Kent and butternut pumpkins in the same bed but had a little success with the Jap pumpkins and very little success with the butternut and no Kent pumpkins at all Should I remove the leaves that are dying from all the pumpkins? I have harvested a couple of the Jap pumpkins; they were OK. Maybe I went a bit early but I just wanted to get at them. However, after reading your advice, I am trying to resist a little longer before getting into the rest. I am in Rowville Melbourne.
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Guy Palmer says:
February 4, 2024 at 12:00
Hi Bruce,
There is no need to remove the dying leaves.
There is still time for new pumpkins to appear.
Note that Jap and Kent pumpkins are the same thing.
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Rhi says:
February 13, 2024 at 19:57
Possibly your soil is no good?
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Rosa says:
March 1, 2024 at 11:14
My pumpkin is all green and the stalk is 5cm brown dried and the flower is very dry too. Is it ready to pick?
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Guy Palmer says:
March 1, 2024 at 12:27
Go for it, Rosa!
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See AlsoHoliday Pumpkin Pie
Janie Clemmons says:
July 18, 2023 at 11:56
Hi! First time pumpkin grower. I live in hot North Carolina. My pumpkin is about ripe now. I don’t have a cellar to cure it. Could I put it in a bin in a closet indoors? Any help is appreciated!
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Guy Palmer says:
July 19, 2023 at 06:40
Hi Janie,
Yes, that should be fine. Best to put it on some sort of tray to help make sure that the bottom doesn’t rot.
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Sam Wellington says:
May 22, 2023 at 19:19
Hi there, all my pumpkins are large & they are the colour of clouds. I planted the seeds in January here in Shepparton Victoria. The stalks are starting to dry but only dry for an inch then it’s still green. They are lying on the ground still where they are growing. They look really healthy. Tomorrow morning we are having our first frost. So what should l do ? Thankyou.
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Guy Palmer says:
May 23, 2023 at 06:36
Harvest them now!
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Johannes says:
May 25, 2023 at 12:58
Noticed yesterday that rats have nibbled the skin on two hanging jap pumpkins. They haven’t touched those on the ground. Does the shallow nibbling mean the pumpkin cannot now be stored?
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
May 25, 2023 at 18:04
That would depend on how deep the nibbling is. If it has penetrated to the flesh then it won’t store but if it’s ‘cosmetic’ then it should be ok. The rind of a pumpkin is generally quite tough and can take minor nibbling. Keep checking it.
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Michelle says:
June 7, 2023 at 17:58
Hi! I live in the Hunter Region and have many Jap/Kent growing in thick mulch bed. So far have avoided frost damage (1 cold night thus far). Wondering if I can harvest if the tendril curls are brown but the tendril stalk is still a little green and rubbery. Total newbie to veggie growing so any help is welcome.
If I do pick at this stage and cure it as above, how long approx will it store for? Many thanks!Reply
Guy Palmer says:
June 8, 2023 at 06:37
Harvest them now!
How long they last in storage is a bit unpredictable but around 6 months would be reasonable.
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Kal says:
June 21, 2023 at 16:01
Hi fellow gardeners. I have a few pumpkins that have grown up into nearby trees. The leaves have all died – is it too early/late to harvest? Thanks for any suggestions.
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Guy Palmer says:
June 21, 2023 at 17:03
Harvest them now. It is certainly not to early to harvest. You will find out if it is too late if they have rotted when you have harvest them.
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shirley says:
May 11, 2023 at 09:49
I live in country, Victoria, unfortunately planting my pumpkins a bit late. I have quite a few good sized ones. As it has been raining a lot, I’m thinking of harvesting them all today and placing a cover over them underneath our pergola as I’m worried they might do that to rot. Any suggestions please i would be grateful.
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Guy Palmer says:
May 17, 2023 at 09:31
Hi Shirley,
Your plan seems sensible to me.
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Holly says:
April 8, 2023 at 15:00
Hi,
I’m in Melbourne and the stalks to my jap pumpkin are still very green but the leaves on the vine are beginning to wither. My vine produced 13 good sized pumpkins with an extra few that didn’t grow for one reason or another and rats have begun to eat those. I’m worried that when they (the rats) have finished with the smaller pumpkins, they will then move to my preferred pumpkins. Can I harvest now? It’s beginning to get quite wet and cold in Melbourne, and the good pumpkins are sitting on mulch so are not getting too wet.
What do you suggest?
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
April 10, 2023 at 18:49
Harvest them now. Better you get them than the rats! And, yes, the rats will move on to the larger ones. I’m surprised thaty they did not start with them.
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Melanie says:
May 13, 2023 at 14:55
Hi there. I have a similar question. My pumpkin vines started dying off weeks ago (and I cut them back in an effort to get rid of the mouldy ones). It is now mid May in Melbourne and there are still a few new green leaves alive but the rest looks quite bare. So I cut a stem to one of my pumpkins as it felt hard. However the inside of the stem was still green and sappy. Too soon? The pumpkin is a good colour, has a hard skins and sounds hollow.
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Guy Palmer says:
May 14, 2023 at 15:34
As Robin said, I think that you should harvest them now.
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Doreen says:
April 7, 2023 at 18:34
I live in Australia and am growing Queensland blue and jap pumpkins. How do I know when they are ready to pick? Most of the leaves are dying but the stems are not turning brown.
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
April 10, 2023 at 18:50
The rule is to wait until the stalk withers, which is generally after the leaves. If in doubt, harvest with as long a stem as possible. Examine it regularly and, if there is any softening or discolouration around the stem, use immediately.
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Linda says:
March 25, 2023 at 11:36
Hi, the ‘handle’ on the top of one of my pumpkins has accidentally been knocked off before the pumpkin has been hardened. Do you have any suggestions of what I could do? I wondered about putting some olive oil on it(?)
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
March 26, 2023 at 18:33
Hi Linda
I think olive oil would not work. There is a possibility it would act as a seal but I think it is more likely that it would accelerate rotting around the wound. My advice would be to use it quickly. You could simply keep an eye on the wound and the moment the skin starts to darken around it (in other words starts to rot) use it.
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Jeanette Bybee says:
August 25, 2023 at 02:25
This is my third year trying to grow pumpkins. First year was not so good, one very, very small pumpkin. Last year one semi-small and one average. This year I got two very nice sized ones, (36″ around center). They are the BIG MAX pumpkins. One kind of snapped off vine halfway so I cut the rest of the way off, it has green spot on the side resting on ground, they came in as yellow pumpkins then turned orange. How can I finish the ripening of this pumpkin?
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Dave hughes says:
February 11, 2023 at 13:21
Store on their side? What is the side of a pumpkin? Some say store with the stork down?
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
February 15, 2023 at 18:22
The side is neither top nor bottom but the skin of the pumpkin going around it, if it’s a round one. For long ones, like butternuts, just turn occasionally. If you cure the pumpkin with stalk down, you do risk breaking the stalk off and that will result in deterioration of the pumpkin, leading to it rotting. If the base gets any moisture in it, then that will also lead to rot. The main thing is to avoid it rotting underneath through lack of air or insect attack through the base, which is usually more vulnerable than the hardening skin.
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Ian says:
April 2, 2023 at 14:25
I have found that melting unscented candle wax over the exposed stem works well.
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R Daniels says:
January 7, 2024 at 14:01
First time pumpkin grower. My 2 Queensland Blue are growing from buried veggie scraps. They look healthy and are about 20cm across. I put newspaper under them. The plant is still very green. One has about a 2cm scratch on the skin. Does not seem deep. I don’t have rats as I have adopted 2 very active stray cats. Is there any way to seal the scratch? Thank you.
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
January 8, 2024 at 13:45
Hi Daniel
There’s no need to seal the scratch. The pumpkin will do that itself aided by hot weather.
Robin
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John says:
February 2, 2023 at 09:35
We have some non-orange pumpkins (Blue Banana and Anna Swartz) which we stored throughout winter. Over the last month (January) they have started to get an orange hue to them. Do you know why that happens?
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Robin Gale-Baker says:
February 6, 2023 at 19:43
Hi John
I don’t know for sure and I googled it but there’s nothing there. However my guess would be that it is simply ageing. It might be time to use the ones that are colouring.
Cheers
Robin
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Carol J says:
March 18, 2023 at 08:06
My understanding when blue skinned pumpkins start to turn yellow or orange is that their storage life is close to done. They theoretically should be at their sweetest then too.
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