We're betting that if you're ready to break out the pumpkin carving stencils to create a seasonal work of art, you also want your pumpkin to be in good shape for Halloween. Knowing how long carved pumpkins last can help you decide just when to carve your pumpkin so it survives as long as possible. Try these tips and advice from pumpkin pros so your jack-o'-lantern will look fresh on the big night.
Marc Evan is co-founder of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers and winner of Food Network's Halloween Wars.
Sarah Perreault is a senior editor at The Old Farmer's Almanac.
When to Buy Your Pumpkin
According to Evan, the best time to pick a pumpkin is within a week of when you plan to carve it. "Look for a large pumpkin, heavy for its size, with unblemished skin," Evan says.
And be sure to avoid the telltale sign of an older pumpkin: a dry, brittle stem. Instead, look for a fresh, green stem about 3 to 5 inches long.
"You can tell a pumpkin is ready to harvest when its skin hardens," explains Perreault. The best test is to press your fingernail into the flesh. If it's difficult to do, the pumpkin is ready, but if you can pierce it easily, it's not yet ripe.
Whether you're picking right from a pumpkin patch or plucking from the aisles of a store, avoid any gourds with visible blemishes, cracks, or soft spots. "Be sure to check the bottom of the pumpkin, too," Perreault adds.
How Long Carved Pumpkins Last
Carved pumpkins last a few days up to two weeks. How long your pumpkins last will depend on the temperature of where you live.
If warm weather is expected, carved pumpkins may only look good for about one week. With cooler temperatures, they may last longer (even without preventative measures). You can always help your pumpkin last longer with a few tricks.
Where to Store Your Pumpkin
You'll likely need to store your freshly picked pumpkin for a bit before carving it. How you store your pumpkin will help determine how long it lasts.
"Store in a cool, dry bedroom (under the bed is good) or in a cellar or root cellar," Perreault recommends. "Anywhere with a temperature around 55 degrees Fahrenheit."
Resist the temptation to show off your pumpkin on the stoop or in a sunny window, where the warm temperature will cause it to decay quickly. If you can't stand the idea of an empty stoop, buy some pumpkins to leave on display outdoors and hide any you intend to carve indoors, out of direct sunlight.
When to Carve Pumpkins
So, how long before All Hallows' Eve should you carve a pumpkin? The later, the better.
"Carve no more than three days before Halloween," Evan recommends. If you plan to celebrate on the weekend before or after Halloween, pick a pumpkin carving date a few days before the celebration. Carve too early, and your pumpkin will scare off trick-or-treaters with its rotten teeth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do carved pumpkins rot so fast?
Pumpkins are naturally moist on the inside. A lack of moisture from being carved will cause them to start shriveling up and rotting. Additionally, this same moisture promotes fungi growth. Finally, carved pumpkins attract pests that feed on them, causing faster decay.
Do pumpkins last longer when carved or uncarved?
Without a doubt, uncarved pumpkins last longer than their carved counterparts. Uncarved pumpkins can last two to three months if kept out of the sun or freezing weather. This means you can easily decorate your home with uncarved pumpkins and still use them for cooking once Halloween has passed.
Do pumpkins last longer with the stem?
Yes, keeping the stem intact on your pumpkin will help it last longer since a pumpkin's stem is its source of nutrients. Try this pumpkin carving hack next time: Cut out the back or bottom instead of the top.
