When Are Pumpkins Ripe To Pick

Evenly deep orange pumpkins usually are ready to be picked.

Pumpkins, part of the squash family, have many uses. They can be eaten, used as natural soup bowls, grown for seeds and, of course, used for Halloween decorations. The harvest time for most varieties ranges from 100 to 110 days following planting, although sunlight, moisture and weather factors all affect how fast a pumpkin matures. Look for signs in the pumpkin's color and sound to check for clues that it is time to pick it.

Color

Color is a good indication of a pumpkin's ripeness. Look for signs that the pumpkin is deeply orange, rather than a pale orange or containing green or yellow streaks. Wait until the pumpkin is uniformly orange for the best chance of picking it at its peak.

Rind and Stem

Pumpkins are ripe for picking when the rind and stem have hardened. The rind will be resistant to most outside pressure. Gently poke your fingernail into the rind to test for hardness. If the rind doesn't give, the pumpkin may be picked. But, if the rind does give under the pressure, immediately remove your fingernail. Repeated fingernail tests on an unripe pumpkin can damage the rind and cause premature rotting on the entire pumpkin. Also, squeeze the stem to check for hardening. It should not give under pressure from your hand. Consider wearing gloves while testing the stem, which often has sharp prickles or spikes.

Sound

Ripe pumpkins ready for picking have a hollow sound when thumped or rapped. Rap your knuckles against the pumpkin's center, and thump it with your fingers. Listen for a dull, hollow sound, which indicates the pumpkin can be picked. Test several pumpkins in the patch, especially those you know to be under-ripened, to provide a comparison of sounds.

Harvesting Pumpkins

Always wear gloves to harvest pumpkins, as the stems contain sharp points that can embed in your hand. Using sharp shears or a knife, cut the pumpkin from the vine. Leave at least 3 to 4 inches of stem and leaves attached, as a detached stem can cause quick rotting. But avoid carrying the pumpkins by this "handle" because the weight of the fruit can cause it to fall off. For the best results, wash off the pumpkin with a solution of 10 parts water to one part chlorine bleach. Dry off the surface well. This washing helps kill pathogens that can infect the pumpkin, but keeps it safe to eat provided you allow several hours to pass so the solution can evaporate from the surface.

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