Carving pumpkins is a fun fall tradition many families look forward to, but once you do, the clock starts ticking on its shelf life. Unfortunately, that jack-o’-lantern won’t last long and could start looking more like a shriveled raisin before the first trick-or-treater knocks on your door.
But there are some things you can do to extend the life of your carved pumpkin. Here’s what experts recommend to keep it looking pretty on your porch through Halloween and beyond.
- Pick a quality pumpkin - On average, a carved pumpkin can last between five and 10 days, depending on care and weather, and it all starts with getting the right gourd. Certified master gardener Mary Jane Duford advises to “choose firm, undamaged pumpkins” with a healthy skin and no soft spots.
- Clean before carving - Don’t pick up that knife until you wash the outside with mild soap and water to get rid of dirt and bacteria. For extra protection against mold and bacteria, spray the inside pumpkin with a solution of bleach and water after it’s carved.
- Soak with a disinfectant - For even more protection, garden expert Chris Link suggests giving your jack-o’-lantern a 10-minute soak with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide or one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water to kill mold and bacteria on the cut surfaces, which make pumpkins collapse fastest.
- Seal the edges with petroleum jelly - Once it’s disinfected and dried, you’ll want to seal the cut edges with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to slow the loss of moisture and reduce microbial growth.
- Spray with a protectant - You can also buy a product designed to extend the pumpkin’s life. Farmer and florist Ondrea Kidd recommends an organic protectant called Wilt Prof that’s used on holiday wreaths.
- Avoid candles - It turns out, the candles we traditionally light jack-o’-lanters with can dry them out and speed up decay. Switch to LED fairy lights or battery-powered tea lights for a safer spooky glow.
- Keep pumpkins out of direct sunlight - Especially if you live somewhere warm, the sun and the heat can shrivel the pumpkin, so store it in the shade, or bring it inside during the day.⠀
Source: Real Simple
Scott's Thoughts:
- That jack-o’-lantern only has to last until Friday night, people, you can do this!
- I have 2 pumpkins on my porch, but they are not carved yet.
- Just don't cut it! It will last longer.