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Pendleton New York

Im wondering if I pick my pumpkins early and there not fully orange,will they continue to get darker orange as time goes on ? or do they have to be on the vine for this to happen.Also I heard they can withstand a frost is that true or should I pick them before that happens? ALL REPLIES GREATLY APPRECIATED!

9/7/2001 9:21:06 PM

Manchester, N.H.

I know that I cover mine so that it won't turn orange. when they turn orange it means that they are staring to ripen. I heard different about how they can't handle frost. If you know it's going to be a cold night, possibly frost, I would cover my pumpkins and my leaves. We have put in way too much work in growing our ag's to let frost destroy our hard work.

9/8/2001 11:07:14 AM

canal winchester ohio

I know this might sound odd but on cold nights I would actually tuck blankets around the pumpkin to keep it warm.
" you should have seen the look on my wife's face"
........Paul

9/8/2001 11:39:37 AM

Long Island,New York

My experiences: You can keep a fruit on the vine for over a month....Ive done it a few times.Keep it shaded,dry, and with air circulation. Use a 1:10 bleach/water wash every week to keep fungus/bacteria/assorted nasties off the fruit.Water the plant...vines,whatever leaves you have 1/3rd the usual amount to keep the pumpkin hydrated.Pray nightly. There are no guarantees.
Mature pumpkins last longer than when picked immature....they are also more durable.Bob Troy's 684lb GPC winning squash was fine in March when he opened it for seeds...stored in garage (Yeah,we know Tom...you want that seed too).Never had luck with a fruit picked immature...always rot fast. Cover with a few old blankets,tarps,painting dropcloths at night if expecting frost but uncover when it warms up outside for air circulation......good luck.....G

9/8/2001 1:28:29 PM