National Pumpkin Day 2025: How to preserve pumpkins from rotting before Halloween
If you have noticed your jack-o'-lantern is starting to have a drooping face, it's time to intervene to preserve your pumpkins for Halloween night.
As the eeriest day of the year draws near, the last thing you want is to scare off trick-or-treaters with decaying, stinky pumpkins on your porch.
If you've noticed your jack-o'-lantern starting to sag, it's time to step in and save your pumpkins for Halloween night. While pumpkins are a classic and visually pleasing decoration for the season, autumn weather brings warm days, chilly nights, and humidity that isn't exactly pumpkin-friendly.
The Old Farmers' Almanac reveals that fresh or store-bought pumpkins can last about a month at room temperature if they're left uncarved. However, once you carve them, their lifespan drops to just three to five days.
If you live in a warmer climate, your pumpkins might shrivel up even sooner.
For those who haven't carved their pumpkins yet, now's the time, as the spooky night is less than a week away.
How to keep your pumpkins from rotting
Wash with soap before carving
The best way to keep your pumpkins looking fresh is by simply washing them with cool, soapy water before carving. Starting with a clean base is an easy trick to extend the life of your pumpkins.
You'll also want to be strategic about where you place your pumpkins, as they'll decay faster if you leave them out in the sun. It's best to keep them in shaded areas.
Keep the inside of the pumpkin clean and dry
Carving a pumpkin can be a messy business, especially when it comes to removing all the seeds and pulp. But according to The Old Farmers' Almanac, this step is crucial for slowing down mold growth and preventing early rotting.
You also don't want any loose seeds or strings interfering with the candle you're placing inside your spooky masterpiece.
Cover the pumpkin in coconut oil
One surprising tip for preserving your pumpkin is to cover it in coconut oil. This kitchen staple can be applied to the outside surface, the inside, and the carved edges of your pumpkin.
Not only is this treatment biodegradable and wildlife-friendly, but it's also been proven to be highly effective. In fact, The Spruce found that coconut oil was the most successful treatment for preserving carved pumpkins, significantly reducing mold growth.
While diluted bleach and hairspray are also suggested treatments, coconut oil takes the cake.
Use petroleum jelly
Another trick to keep your pumpkin fresh is to seal the cuts with petroleum jelly. This slows down moisture loss, helping your pumpkin last longer.
However, if you choose to use this method, it's recommended to avoid using real candles and instead opt for battery-powered ones, as petroleum jelly can catch fire at temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another tip from the Old Farmer's Almanac suggests skipping real candles entirely, as the heat from the flame can dry out the pumpkin and speed up the rotting process.
