skip to main content

Pumpkins, Squash & Gourds

when to pick giant pumpkins

9 years ago

I have two giant pumpkins both over 25lbs and this is the first time I've had pumpkins of this size and I don't know what to do.. My biggest is turning light green by the stem in guessing this is bad and I don't have a clue when to pick these.. My jackolantern pumpkins were really easy to know when to pick but these I can't tell.. Please any info will b helpful as I know nothing about them and have no idea what I'm doing.. Lol. Help!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Macmex
9 years ago
The rule of thumb with any winter squash (pumpkin included) is that they are ripe when one cannot break the skin using a thumbnail. This indicator is much better than any color indicator, especially since some things, like giant pumpkins, come in various colors.

George
Tahlequah, OK
erika83smith
Original Author
9 years ago
The stem looks like this with light green all around it.. I'm afraid its got a disease of some sort.. The stem looks hard as I read in previous post if the stem is hard its ripe.. But when sticking my fingernail into the skin it will go through but I have to put quite a bit of force into it.. Before she it was much younger barely touching it would leave marks.. I'm just scared its gonna die I have two and both are the same size the other I'm sure isn't ripe yet but this one is just hard to tell.. Living in WV the bugs that eat pumpkins are everywhere and I'm scared to lose it to bugs as I already lost several jack o lanterns to bugs last month.. And I don't know a thing about how to prevent them.. I was told placing news papers under them would help but I think they hurt the jack o lanterns I did this with.. Any help would b gratefully appreciated as I have no clue what I'm doing and learning as I go.. Thanks, Erika
Related Discussions
When to pick pumpkin blossoms?
Q
Comments (5)
containergirl, They are! People in other cultures eat squash and melon vines and use the leaves as well. You'd be surprised at how many weeds and parts of plants we discard that are regular vegetables in other parts of the world. Here is a link that might be useful: Recipes for Stuffed Squash Blossoms
...See More
WANTED: Giant Pumpkin Seeds
Q
Comments (0)
When it comes time to open your giant pumpkins, I'd like a few seeds to try my hand at growing ex-large pumpkins next year. Can trade zinnia seeds, liatris gayfeather seeds or can send postage would like to try a few different seeds from a few different pumpkin growers, trying to get a 500 pounder size next year :)
...See More
Giant Pumpkins!
Q
Comments (2)
pansyloverandgrower Hi, the contest you are speaking of is the "16th annual Whidbey Island Giant Pumpkin Contest". The seeds were donated by the Pacific northwest Giant pumpkin growers (PNWGPG). They also have seeds for sale at the Puyallup spring fair. The seeds that were given away for the Coupeville Harvest Fest at the Farmers Market.The seeds are 'Atlantic Giant'(AG) pumpkin seeds. When planting pumpkin seeds, the seeds can be arranged in either hills or rows depending on the available garden space and the number of seeds being planted.For hill planting: Create a mound of soil three feet in diameter with a shallow trench around it for collecting water. Plant four to five seeds on each hill, spaced six to eight inches apart. If planting multiple hills, each hill should be at least ten feet apart to give plants sufficient space. For row planting: Create an elevated row of dirt with small trenches on either side to collect water. Plant two or three seeds every 18 inches along the row. If planting multiple rows, each row should be at least six inches away from its neighbors. I hope that helped ya out Here is a link that might be useful: Pacific northwest Giant pumpkin growers (PNWGPG)
...See More
when to pick pumpkin?
Q
Comments (1)
I usually wait until frost kills the vine before I pick them, however, don't wait too long or frost will kill the pumpkins, also, and they'll rot rather quickly after they thaw out. If a pumpkin is mature but not fully ripe, it can be picked and left in a 60-70F area to ripen. You can tell if a squash or pumpkin (in this case, Baby Boo) is mature is if there is no change in the size of the fruit for a week. If it is ripe, the fruit stem will start to turn brown. Also, in the case of Baby Boo, the skin will get a light yellowish sheen. Depending upon growing conditions, Baby Boo can be very variable in size. In a short growing season, they will be small. In a long one, they can get to be larger than a basketball. If eating them, wait until they mature before picking. If ornamental only, pick anytime.
...See More
erika83smith
Original Author
9 years ago
PS... I know these pumpkins are no where the giant pumpkins you see some people grow but the package said giant pumpkins is the only reason I'm calling them that and their 4 times bigger than my jack o lanterns.. I'm not sure if giant would be the correct label for these but they are close to 50-75lbs judging by weight scale I have at home.. Before was just an estimate in my previous post ..Just wanted to add that it may help with some advice on picking.. Thanks, Erika
Macmex
9 years ago
From what I can see in the picture, I'm not sure you have to worry. It looks alright to me.

Giant pumpkins will often attain the size yours have attained, and no more. This is their natural size when extra measures are not taken to increase their size. Overall, I suspect you are going to have a successful crop. Try not to move them around a whole lot. You risk breaking the stem.

George

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Pick Up Some White Pumpkins for Elegant Fall Decorating

Ghost-white gourds give autumn decorating a chic alternative to the jack-o'-lantern

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Pumpkins

By Marianne Lipanovich

Start in spring to grow your own fall decorations and have plenty left for pies

BASEMENTS Houzz TV: This Guy’s Giant Lego Collection Proves Everything Is Awesome

By Mitchell Parker

You may have seen our story about this architect’s Lego-filled basement. Now watch the video to see just how he organizes all 250,000 pieces

ORANGE Treat Your Rooms to Pumpkin Pie Orange

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Stir some pumpkin colors into your interiors for design deliciousness that lasts well beyond Thanksgiving

MOST POPULAR Falling for Color: 9 Ways With Pumpkin Orange

By Jennifer Ott Design

From racing stripes to accent walls, see how to work this vibrant hue into your home

DECORATING GUIDES Pretty Up Pumpkins With Paint

By Lisa Frederick

Put down the carving knife — we've got a better way to prep your pumpkins for Halloween

DIY PROJECTS DIY: Pumpkins and Succulents Combine as Holiday Decor

By Corynne Pless

Follow this easy tutorial to turn your favorite pumpkins into a fresh update for your home or a gift item

ORANGE Guest Picks: Everything Orange

By Bryn Alexandra Interiors, LLC

Furniture and accessories in orange, persimmon, pumpkin and paprika are in season now

BEDROOMS Guest Picks: 20 Kids' Bedroom Chandeliers

By Natasha Elisa

Choose from princess-y pink, peppy mod and more for your little one's overhead lighting

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Ideas for Autumn Entertaining

By Annemarie H.

Pumpkins, acorns and fallen leaves provide inspiration for fall party decorations

Sponsored