From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Central Missouri

I am growing the variety Jack-o'-Lantern pumpkins and I wanted to know when to pick them. Thanks!

Lindsay

7/11/2003 12:24:29 PM

Utah

when they turn orange is a good time.

7/11/2003 1:46:34 PM

Central Missouri

Are you being a smarta**? Mine have been orange for a couple of weeks now and I think its too early if I want them to make it until October. Anyone else?

Lindsay

7/11/2003 4:00:41 PM

Utah

no I wasn't... usually they don't turn orange till late summer or early fall. how big are they ? seems very early to be having mature fruit.

7/11/2003 4:15:26 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

I left mine on the vine until late fall.

The vines kept growing and I set more fruit on them.

7/11/2003 6:20:26 PM

Webster, NY

Sometimes, even when orange, they can stay on the vine awhile. But, glt is right, usually orange means ripe and the longer on the vine, the more chance or rot. Here's a good website on storing ripe pumpkins from pumpkinnook. It might help...

http://www.pumpkinnook.com/howto/storage.htm#storage

7/11/2003 7:42:03 PM

[email protected]

Interesting. I grew "jack's" for a while & don't remember them coloring up this early. But then I didn't grow them in Missouri either. I'd leave them on as long as ossible under shade. Off the ground too. Fungicide & calcium to prevent disease. Then into a cool place when it becomes clear the vines can't keep them going.

7/11/2003 10:37:40 PM

Central Missouri

Well I have 2 that are totally orange and about the size of a volley ball maybe a little smaller. I also planted the plants outside in April I think.

Lindsay

7/14/2003 1:07:44 PM

Oz

try shade ..the ozone might be thin in the mtns,,ie more light more pigment,,,leave them till they get all they need in wter and nutrition,,,what are ya gonna do with them?? food? if so check with local canning expert,,
young fruit tends to have less strings,,,

7/14/2003 1:53:18 PM

Central Missouri

I was just growing them just b/c. I wanted them in time for Halloween but looks like I am a few months ahead of schedule.

7/17/2003 4:57:56 PM