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Kutztown, PA

In a perfect world I guess you'd pollinate on the correct date, pick a pumpkin the morning of a contest and haul it out of the patch. But, let say for some reason you decided to pick it, put it on the trailer in the shade for a later contest or leave it in the patch on the vine after growth has come to an end. How long might it last? Assume that it has no soft spots, stem, or blossom issues.

6/29/2022 1:23:36 PM

President - GPC

Hard to tell, as temps are different everywhere. Its best to leave them on the vine, as some transfer of fluids is still taking place. Even a freshly cut vine will suck up water. I have had them drink a half to full gallon once cut off, so my preference is to cover them up to shield them from varmits and the sun to help preserve them. Hope this helps. GROW BIG

6/29/2022 1:34:01 PM

Western PA

It could last for 30 days or possibly even more. It will lose about 1# a day after picked. Best bet is to always leave attached to the vine if that's possible, then they will lose very little, if any weight.

6/29/2022 2:11:52 PM

Kutztown, PA

Thanks

6/29/2022 2:32:18 PM

Grittyville, WA

They can last a long time if they are mature, dry, cool, and undamaged. I say yeah, pick her early if you are worried about frost or rodents, or just getting it out of the patch before it becomes muddy. A pumpkin that weighs 1-10 lbs less isnt that big a deal compared to getting DQ'd, or having some other major problem.

6/29/2022 3:50:16 PM

Grittyville, WA

ps I think someone tried cold storage and that didnt works so well. Squash are a bit strange because they can still heal themselves and fight infection after they are disconnected from the plant but the temps have to be high enough for them to do that. Hence why a storage temp of 50-65 degrees would counterintuitively give better storage results than being down at refrigerator temps???

6/29/2022 4:10:09 PM

I gave a pumpkin to neil Anderson in august after state fair he took it to trade shows called me the next april still had solid pumpkin kept outside In california

6/29/2022 6:12:30 PM

Torrance, Ca.

That's how they stay out here in Cali Don!:)

6/29/2022 9:24:31 PM

Kutztown, PA

I heard the same pumpkin tied the CA state record 3 years in a row :)

6/30/2022 8:35:19 AM

Bethlehem CT

Yeah, pumpkins and squashes are room temperature storage. I believe the ideal is 55-60 degrees fahrenheit. I have kept some through the winter in a heated shed and last until April. Wash them down with warm soapy water and perhaps a ten percent bleach solution and you will help to keep it even longer.

7/1/2022 8:12:10 AM

Muddy Waters

Its all about the weather Just like growing them

7/2/2022 5:02:42 PM