Picking and Preserving the Perfect Pumpkin

 

K-State horticulture expert shares tips for extending the life of carved pumpkins

At a glance: K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests harvesting or purchasing pumpkins that are fully ripened in order to increase their longevity. She also shares tips for preserving carved pumpkins.

More information: Cynthia Domenghini, Cdom@ksu.edu

Related: K-State Horticulture Newsletter

 

lighted jack-o-lantern sitting on a table with dark background

Avoid using a real candle inside a jack-o-lantern to extend its life.

 

Oct. 16, 2025

K-State Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Pumpkins are a popular fall decoration this time of year, not to mention the joy of jack-o-lanterns, a Halloween favorite.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests harvesting or purchasing pumpkins that are fully ripened in order to increase their longevity.

“Pumpkins that are harvested before they fully ripen will rot more quickly than those harvested at peak maturity,” Domenghini said.

She adds:

  • A mature pumpkin will have a hard rind that is solid in color.

  • The pumpkin should make a hollow sound when thumped.

  • Mature pumpkins will have a waxy coating, which protects them from drying out.

After harvesting pumpkins, keep them cool and out of sunlight to extend their life.

“Carved pumpkins have a much shorter shelf-life, sometimes only a few days up to a week, before noticeable rotting occurs,” Domenghini said.

To extend the life of carved pumpkins:

  • Clean the inside thoroughly, removing all seeds and loose string.

  • Soak the inside of the pumpkin in a 10% bleach-water solution for several hours.

  • Avoid using a real candle inside the pumpkin, since the heat speeds up rotting.

  • If there’s a freeze in the forecast, bring your jack-o-lantern inside; pumpkins have a high concentration of water.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to hortsupport@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.

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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.