With the scary season comes a classic fall activity that all ages enjoy: carving pumpkins. Unfortunately, most jack-o-lanterns only last three to five days before they begin to get soft and rot. Luckily, there are some tricks you can try to delay the decaying process and display your pumpkins for a few extra days.
Learn how to make a jack-o-lantern last longer with these six easy tips.
Pick a Fresh Pumpkin
Unsurprisingly, fresher pumpkins last longer, even when they are cut into jack-o-lanterns. The best places to buy a fresh pumpkin are directly from the growers at pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, or farm stands.
Make sure the pumpkin you pick is firm—soft spots are a sign the pumpkin is old. A sturdy green stem is also a good sign of a fresh pumpkin. Older pumpkin stems are dry and brittle.
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Keep the Pumpkin Cool
Heat makes a pumpkin deteriorate quickly, so it’s best to keep the pumpkin in a cool place before carving into it. Your front porch is a perfect spot if you live in a cooler climate. For those who live in warmer areas, try storing the pumpkin in your refrigerator or indoors so it doesn’t bake in the hot sun.
Once the pumpkin is carved, it’s still important to keep it cool. Avoid placing it in an area with direct sunlight and bring it inside occasionally if you live in a warm area.
Clean the Pumpkin Thoroughly
Before you begin carving, give your pumpkin a good scrub with soap and water and rinse it well. This removes any bacteria, yeast, or other contaminants that may get inside the pumpkin during carving and would speed up the pumpkin’s decaying process. Make sure the tools you use to carve the pumpkin are also clean.
Don’t Cut a Hole in the Top
A common mistake many people make when carving their jack-o-lantern is to cut the hole in the pumpkin’s top around the stem. The stem is an important part of the pumpkin because it keeps the gourd’s walls together and in place. When the top is cut, the pumpkin degrades faster and begins to collapse.
Instead, cut the hole in the bottom or on the side to preserve your jack-o-lantern creation longer. Save the piece to use as a plug once your carving is complete.
Completely Hollow Out the Pumpkin
One of the most time-consuming tasks of creating a jack-o-lantern is scooping out all of the pulp and seeds. While not the most pleasant step, it’s important to do well to help your jack-o-lantern have the longest life possible.
Moisture speeds up the decaying process, and any remaining seeds or pulp adds to the moisture inside your pumpkin.
After you’ve scooped out all of the seeds and pulp with a spoon, use your hands to scrape at the inner walls and pull out the remaining seeds and strings. Then, use a paper towel and pat the inside until it’s dry.
Avoid Concrete
Another easy way to preserve your jack-o-lantern longer is to avoid setting it on concrete. Pumpkins rot faster on concrete. The moisture in the concrete combined with the pumpkin’s moisture speeds up the decaying process.
Instead, store your pumpkins on hay or wood. If you only have concrete surfaces outside, place a layer of dry cardboard on the concrete and then set the pumpkins on top of the cardboard.
FAQ
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Unfortunately, all jack-o-lanterns decay at some point and there’s no way to completely foolproof the process. Reducing moisture and heat are the best ways to prevent carved pumpkins from rotting. Pat the inside of your pumpkin dry with a paper towel regularly to keep the moisture at bay, and keep your jack-o-lantern in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
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While WD-40 has been suggested as a way to keep carved pumpkins fresher longer, it’s not the best solution. Carved pumpkins often end up being eaten by wildlife and using WD-40 could potentially harm any animals that eat a contaminated pumpkin. WD-40 is also flammable and can pose a risk if a candle is used inside the carved pumpkin. To avoid a jack-o-lantern from rotting quickly, reduce moisture in the pumpkin and keep it out of direct sunlight.