When to Harvest Pumpkins and Other Winter Squash

With the Fall quickly approaching I keep coming across questions about determining the right time to harvest pumpkins. Harvesting winter squash and pumpkins prematurely might not lead to the best results, as they won't store well and will need to be eaten quickly. However, waiting for the right moment to pick them will enhance their flavor and prolong their shelf life.

To identify a fully ripe winter squash, keep an eye out for the following signs:

Color:

Winter squash varieties come in a wide range of colors, and typically, they should not be green (with a few exceptions like acorn squash or specific green varieties). When ripe, the squash should be mostly the color of its variety. For example, an orange pumpkin should be entirely orange when it's ready. Sometimes, there might be a green spot where it touched the ground.

Test the Rind:

A simple way to check for ripeness is by gently pressing your fingernail into the squash's skin. If it easily pierces or leaves a dent, it's not yet ripe.

Stems:

Observe the stem connected to the fruit; if it appears very green, hollow, or flexible, the squash isn't ready for harvest. Instead, the stem should be thick and starting to turn brown.

Tendrils:

Similar to watermelons, vining squash have curly tendrils. The one closest to the fruit will become brown and dry when the squash is ripe, serving as another indicator of readiness.

Always check for multiple signs of ripeness instead of relying on one single method. Stay tuned for an article on how to best store squash to keep enjoying it all winter long!

Happy gardening!