Heading to the pumpkin patch this fall to hunt for the perfect Jack O’ Lantern? If so, here are a few important tips on how to select the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween and Autumn decor.
1. Freshness – It’s best to head to your local pumpkin patch to select one that’s still connected to the vine. If you can’t get to one…select one at the farmer’s market or retail outlet that has been picked within the last 24-48 hours. Look for one that is uniform in color. It shouldn’t be overly-ripe or under-ripe. The stem should be firm and in great condition.
2. Avoid Damage – Don’t select one with bruises, cuts, scrapes, mold, soft spots, or ones that have a foul smell. If it’s crawling with bugs or worms…put it back!
3. Perfect Bottom – If you want it to stand up after being carved select one that has a flatter bottom and will stand up without leaning over. It’s okay for it to lean a little bit, but it should sit upright in a secure position.
4. Carved Design – Think about the type of design you plan on carving. Some designs look better on tall, slender squashes…while others will look better being carved on a fatter, more plump pumpkin.
5. Take Your Time – Don’t select the first one that catches your eye. Take time to look around and select the perfect one.
A few additional things to remember.
Bigger is not always best! Don’t buy your pumpkins too early in the season. Typically, you should purchase them 7-10 days before Halloween or your party to have it looking its best. Once carved, they can decay quickly. To keep it looking nicer for a longer period of time…use a flameless, battery-operated candle inside! Regular candles speed up the ripening and decaying process. Plus, it’s just safer to use battery-operated candles!
What do we personally recommend? The Flameless Flickering LED Votive Candles with a 6 hour automatic timer. Once you turn them on…they’ll come on every night at the same time for 6 hours and then turn off. You won’t have to go out and turn them on/off.
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These are great tips on how to select the perfect pumpkin. I usually like a big fat pumpkin instead of a skinny one, but I shall have to consult my grandkids.
Great advice! I hadn’t considered that certain designs would look better on a specifically shaped pumpkin. It’s always so fun making Jack O’ Lanterns!
Super good tips. We will be taking our grandkids to the pumpkin patch soon. Always a fun adventure to pick a pumpkin and have some apple cider.
Niece has always taken great niece to the Fright Farm pumpkin patch to pick out her pumplins. And it takes a lot of time for her to decide which one4s she wants.
This year Zay grew her own pumpkins by accident this year
thank you for the great tips. They will really help.
Great tips for selecting the perfect pumpkin. I love this time of year and decorating the entryway for the season.