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Berkshire, UK

How do I know when my pumpkin is ready to harvest? It is currently a pale yellow colour rather than the orange that I had expected. Pollinated around the 15th July.
Should I be waiting for it to turn orange? Can a pumpkin be left on the vine for too long? i.e. if I left it on there until say mid October would this cause problems? Sorry for so many questions, this year is our first attempt at pumpkin growing. Thanks in advance.

9/1/2008 7:08:21 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Some will be orange, some will be yellow. If its not showing signs of orange yet, probably won't go very orange. As long as plant is alive, you can leave it on the vine without problems.

NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU WATCH FORECASTS FOR FROST. FROST WILL KILL PLANT (FINE AT THIS LATE POINT IN GAME) AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE FRUIT, SO IT THE FORECAST CALLS FOR IT, COVER FRUIT WITH BLANKETS TO PREVENT DAMAGE

9/2/2008 9:11:10 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

still lots of growing time left, if it is still growing keep it on. Mine is just starting to show a little color, so if it is meant to be orange it will happen. Mine will be on the vine until oct 11.

9/2/2008 11:26:09 PM

Utah

If you want you can enhance the color of your pumpkin by wiping it down with vegetable oil a day or two before you harvest it. It we bring out whatever color it is.

but be careful many weigh off's don't allow fruit that are altered in any way.

9/3/2008 10:10:21 AM

Berkshire, UK

Thanks for the answers, you have all been very helpful. Pumpkin is still yellow, so guess it's not going to turn the orange that I was expecting. Growth has slowed right down now, so may harvest soon and store in the shed until pumpkin carving time (wouldn't want it to be damaged by the frost).....unless anyone has any ideas to get it growing again? Thanks again.

9/12/2008 7:39:48 AM