An easy method for preserving whole pumpkins and gourds so they last longer in fall displays. It can also be used on pumpkins before they are carved.
When fall finally arrives, it feels like such a treat to bring home fresh pumpkins and gourds. Whether they’re from a local farm stand or the grocery store, there’s something special about arranging them around your home and porch. Those pretty little vignettes of autumn color are part of what makes this season so inviting.
But after just a week or two, things can take a turn. A soft spot appears. Maybe there’s a little puddle under one of your pumpkins. It’s frustrating, and definitely not what you had in mind when you started decorating. The good news is that there’s a simple way to keep this from happening.
I’ve included this little trick for how to preserve pumpkins & gourds in a couple of emails to my subscribers, but I wanted to make sure that everyone sees how easy this is. It really works, so your real pumpkins & gourds will last for weeks. This also works to preserve pumpkins intended for carving jack-o’-lanterns, and any other types of squash. Make sure to give the whole pumpkins a bath BEFORE any cuts are made.
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Why Pumpkins + Gourds Rot
Pumpkins and gourds naturally pick up dirt, bacteria, and mold while growing in the fields. This dirt, bacteria, and mold, plus bruises and excess moisture, can all contribute to decay. Moisture from rain or morning dew only speeds up the process. That’s why giving your pumpkins a quick bath before decorating with them can make such a difference. It removes surface dirt and helps reduce the bacteria and fungal spores that can contribute to rot.
How Do You Stop a Pumpkin From Rotting?
- Step 1: Fill the sink, bowl, or washtub with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Gently wash the pumpkins and gourds, making sure to clean around the stems and any crevices. Drain the water and rinse the pumpkins thoroughly.
- Step 2: After rinsing away all the soap, prepare a fresh solution in a clean sink, bucket, or washtub using 1 gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of regular, unscented household bleach. Place the pumpkins in the solution and gently turn them so the entire surface, including the stem, comes in contact with the water.
- Step 3: Rinse the pumpkins well, then dry them thoroughly before arranging them indoors or outside.
- Safety note: Never mix bleach with dish soap or any other household cleaner. Complete the soap-and-water wash first, drain and rinse the pumpkins thoroughly, and then prepare the bleach solution separately. Read and follow the directions on the bleach label, and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Planning to compost your pumpkins? Skip the bleach treatment and any protective coating, and use the soap-and-water wash only.
Can I Use This Method On a Pumpkin I Plan To Carve?
Yes. Clean and preserve the pumpkin while it is still whole, then rinse and dry it completely before carving. This method is not intended for pumpkins that have already been cut open.
Tips to Help Pumpkins Last Longer
- Use warm (not hot) water when filling your sink or bucket. Add the soap after the water is running to help mix everything.
- During the bleach step, if you are working with smaller pumpkins that float, gently roll them around so all sides, including the stem, get covered.
- For large pumpkins, rotate them in the bleach/water solution to make sure they are fully cleaned. A shallow soak is fine, as long as all surfaces are treated.
An Optional Step to Help Pumpkins Last Longer
Once your pumpkins have been rinsed and dried thoroughly, you can add a protective coating to help them last even longer. A quick spray of matte sealer is the easiest option. If you prefer not to use spray sealer, rub on a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but still very effective. Just make sure the pumpkins are completely dry before applying anything.
How Long Do Pumpkins Last?
Preserved pumpkins and gourds can easily last several weeks, and often much longer. How long they stay fresh depends on the condition they were in when purchased, and how warm or humid your home is.
- Choose pumpkins that are clean, firm, and free of bruises.
- Buy early in the season for the best quality and selection.
- When stored properly, small pumpkins can stay firm for months.
- I’ve had great luck with pumpkins and gourds lasting from early September all the way through Thanksgiving.
Fall has always been the season that feels most like home to me. It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose, this would be it. That love is reflected all throughout this website…from fall printables created for my email subscribers, to simple decorating ideas, centerpieces, and more. Fall decor never goes out of style, and I’ve shared many ways to bring the season into your home. If you’d like to stay in touch and get new ideas sent straight to your inbox, I’d love for you to join my email list. Just fill out the form at the end of this post to get started.
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I preserve mine in bleach, straight bleach and water, nothing else, half and half. I have had some for 4 years now!! I put them out every year. Great post!
I should also add, I live in Arizona where the humidity is next to none🏜
Makes a huge difference for sure!!
I have been preserving outdoor pumpkins using a similar method for years (no bath, just a spritz of bleach, wipe down and coat with a clear, matte varnish).
Honestly, I had one of those lovely soft green, princess-type pumpkins go 1-1/2 years out in my garden decor! He looked just a good when I finally made the decision to toss him.
The only down side to the varnish, you cannot use for compost or animal feed!!
Must tell you I am not a cook, but made your one pot potato soup and sent to neighbor and to a friend suffering from covid. A hit with everone! Planning to serve at a monthly card game with siblings. So easy and yummy. Thanks.
I’ve been preserving pumpkins using your method for several years. How long do they last…well, I tie red & green ribbons on for Christmas, pink for Valentines, Shamrock ribbons for St. Patricks, pastel ribbons for Easter. Yes, they really last that long…I only get rid of them because I’m tired of them being around!
Ann,
I remembered this handy tip last year and I just completed the process. Thank you so much. It makes sense and I’m sure it will work.
Thanks for your always helpful posts.
Karen B.
I love your decorating. It is relaxed and beautiful! I also enjoy your many recipes. Delicious! I look forward to reading your blog. Thank you
Thank you very much for the information about preserving pumpkins. I can’t wait for fall to come!
Your a great inspiration.
Thanks for the tips on preserving pumpkins. I haven’t tried this method but I certainly will now!
Great tip! Wish I knew about how to preserve pumpkins years ago!
I make bowls out of my gourds. They last forever, unless they get broken. They are glazed a couple of times & I use them for misc snacks, & many other things. Have a blessed Halloween!
I wish I had some home grown pumpkins to try this method,of preservation but the deer ate my vines down to nothing this year. Iwill be going to a local farm market this year to buy some and definitely will try your ideas to. keep them fresh. Thankyou.
Thank you for posting this. Bugs have gotten to my
garden gourds and pumpkins. They need to be picked but I didn’t know what to do. I figured if I pull them up at this time they would be gross by fall. Your post appeared at the perfect time. Are you a mind reader? 😆
No…I’m not. But your comment just completely made my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know!
Thank you Ann for such great ideas.
Lucy
Thank you. I have been enjoying your blog for years. Your taste is Impeccable. Love it all! Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Thanks for the post, I will certainly do this. As an additional note, I have let my small decorative gourds dry out completely (the first time was by accident!), and they can then be painted and make fun natural percussion type rattles!
Thanks for the great posts, I really enjoy your work.
I have done this the past few years and the small pumpkins have actually lasted up to 9 months. Really! Hard to believe but true. It’s a great idea.
Thank you for this. I have found it really does help prolong life of pumpkins. And, I like to use the shiny spray -Krylon or evening Walmart – for a little more light-catching. Gold is really pretty too!!!
I’ve planted gourds and pumpkins in my garden this year. I intend to decorate my house come fall season and the idea of them lasting longer is great thank you so much for this post on how to preserve them longer. Have a great day XOXO
Thank you for sharing how to preserve our fall pumpkins.
Thank you for teaching us how to preserve our pumpkins and gourds. I use this method every year, and it works great!
Patricia
Always inspired by your creativity. Love the blog. Love fall too!
Gail
Wow, I need to do this! Maybe my pumpkins will last longer this year.
Great idea
Thanks
Thank you for the info! Always appreciate learning new things on your blog. Have a nice fall weekend!
Thank you for the tip. I’ll be doing this with my pumpkins this year.
Who knew you could preserve pumpkins and gourds! Thank you so much for sharing this information as I am going to definitely try this. Pumpkins are just a staple in fall decorating. Love your blog Ann!
Thank you so much for the washing instructions. My pumpkins have to last from early October to Thanksgiving, so I will definitely use your directions. I have never heard of including the matte spray, but it makes sense that it would add a layer of protection. Just adding this to my long list of things I have learned from you!
What valuable advice…I am always so disappointed when pumpkins don’t last the season.
Really great information about the pumpkins & goards. What a great idea. So much better than the plastic ones from Michael’s too. Love it !!
Thank you so much for the ideas. I love my home and I love making it look it’s best so I enjoy looking at other homes that are obviously well loved for ideas.
Hello Ann,
Love your home style, displays, wreaths & tips which are beautifully photographed. I’ve picked up lots of ideas for my home – I live in Derbyshire, England.
Here in the U.K., pumpkin choice isn’t the greatest to begin with and I’ve yet to see even one white or heirloom specimen! However, I’ve always left buying what we do have it until the last minute, thinking that was best. Now I know to get in early and ready the bath!! Thanks Ann! Sue x
Hello Ann, How lucky am I to have found your site. Thank you and your kind heart for sharing this elegant and always perfectly done information. I am truly a fan.
as ever,
Patricia
Thanks sooo much for this “pumpkin preserving ” post. I have a garden full of Casperita white pumpkins to decorate with when I get home from Montana & want them to last awhile. U are the Best!
Thank you, Ann, for all the great tips and inspiration. I love your printables and have several frames I use to switch them out with the seasons. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your posts. I find something special in each one. You are a very talented lady and I admire your sense of style and creativity.
Thanks for the tips on preserving those beautiful Fall pumpkins & gourds. I love this time of year and all the decorating. But I hate to see things get rotty and yucky. I will be trying your tips this year. Your home and porch is very pretty; always enjoy your posts. Enjoy this beautiful season.
Thanks for the tip Ann.
Thanks so much Ann. It opened on my phone, so the problem is probably on my end. You have the best blog! Blessings my friend…
Hi Ann,
Thanks for the pumpkin tip. Here on the coast we have to battle the salt air and humidity, so anything to help them last longer is a good thing.
hugs,
Sissie
I have always washed pumkins coming into the housed. One year I sprayed a primer coat, and then a metallic silver on top. I had those pumpkins for what seemed like forever on our small front porch.
Thank you so much for this great tip to save your fresh gourds and pumpkins. They are not cheap when you purchase them and now I will buy some. Love the real so much better than the manufactured one.
Thanks for the tip Ann…I always end up with 1 or 2 rotten gourds by the time Halloween rolls around. I will definitely will be trying this. Have a wonderful day!