A carved pumpkin would be a wonderful decoration for your interior and exterior. But this natural decoration may face some problems like rotting. If you want this ornament to decorate your interior for a longer time, learn about how to keep carved pumpkins from rotting here.
Store-bought or freshly harvested pumpkins will last up to a month when you place them at room temperature, before carving. But if you place this pumpkin in a dark, cool, and dry place, the pumpkin will last up to 2 or even 3 months. What about a carved pumpkin?
After carving, your pumpkin will only last between 3 days and a week before rotting. However, the rotting process will depend on the weather conditions. This is because 90% of pumpkin is water.
How To Keep Carved Pumpkins from Rotting
It is impossible to completely stop a pumpkin from rotting. The rotting process starts when you start cutting into the pumpkin. But it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Some tips below are going to help you preserve the pumpkin as long as possible.
1. Choose the healthiest pumpkin
First of all, you need to start carving the best pumpkin. The best way to keep carved pumpkins from rotting is by using healthy and fresh pumpkins. Choose the firm one that doesn’t have soft spots. It is much better to use a pumpkin that the stem is intact.
A firm pumpkin will last longer than one that has a soft surface. Soft spots on the pumpkin indicate that your pumpkin isn’t healthy. An unhealthy pumpkin won’t last long after carving.
2. Clean the pumpkin’s guts
Another way you need to learn about how to keep carved pumpkins from rotting is by getting rid of all the pumpkin’s guts. It is a crucial step to do if you want the carved pumpkin to stay longer. Make sure that the pumpkin’s inside part is dry and clean.
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3. Refrigerate the pumpkin
Next, you need to refrigerate the pumpkin every single night. This is going to rehydrate the carved pumpkin. Besides, refrigerating your pumpkin will also keep the carved pumpkin away from molding, critters, or bugs. This is an excellent idea if your region has a warmer climate.
If you are interested in trying this refrigerate method, the first step to do is to spray the pumpkin down with a peppermint spray. And then put your carved pumpkin inside a small-sized garbage bag. Now you can put the carved pumpkin inside the refrigerator.
4. Soaking the pumpkin overnight
The next way how to keep carved pumpkins from rotting is by soaking the pumpkin. This method will rehydrate the carved pumpkin and will keep the pumpkin fresh. Simply soak the pumpkin in water overnight. You need to try this method if you figure out the pumpkin is starting to wilt or fade.
How to save a carved pumpkin from rotting by soaking it? First of all, fill up a tub or a bucket. And then put the pumpkin in it overnight and the pumpkin will get a refreshing bath. When you see an improvement, try to do the method again in a day or two.
Just make sure you use cold water. Warm or hot water will speed up the carved pumpkin’s rotting process. Some other people even use bleach to soak their carved pumpkin overnight.
5. Handle your pumpkin carefully
You can maximize the life of a carved pumpkin by keeping your hands off the carved pumpkin. Touch the pumpkin only when you are going to pick it, unload the pumpkin from the car, and when you are going to clean the pumpkin.
How to keep carved pumpkins from rotting by carrying them carefully? After choosing the best and healthiest pumpkin on the patch, carry the pumpkin by picking it up around the fruit. Gripping the pumpkin’s stem will break the stem and shorten the pumpkin’s life.
The oils from fingers will speed up the pumpkin’s rotting process. It is crucial to touch the pumpkins when you have to. Don’t handle your pumpkin too aggressively since you may cause bruises from gripping the pumpkin too hard or unwanted cuts from your fingernail snags.
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6. Choose the right location
Another way how to keep your carved pumpkins from rotting is by placing the pumpkin in the right location. If you will keep the pumpkin outside, you need to place the pumpkin in a shaded and dry spot. A covered porch will be the best location for a carved pumpkin.
Too much direct hot sun is going to speed up the decaying process of your pumpkin. Rain will also destroy your pumpkin. The rain’s moisture is going to lead to mush and mold. Both of them will make your beautiful pumpkin dies immediately.
This trick of how to keep carved pumpkins from rotting, by placing the pumpkin on your front porch will also make your front porch look more gorgeous.
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7. Properly moisturized your pumpkin
Make sure that the carved pumpkin is properly moisturized. This is going to keep your pumpkin fresh for a long time. Everyone loves the tradition of carving pumpkins. Unfortunately, carving a pumpkin is going to speed up the pumpkin’s decaying process.
Oxidation will happen immediately as you cut the pumpkin open. The pumpkin will also dry out much faster. Extend the life of your carved pumpkin by moisturizing the pumpkin with petroleum jelly. Rub this moisturizer around the carved areas.
If you don’t have petroleum jelly, simply use coconut oil or olive oil to moisturize the pumpkin and keep it fresh for the whole season.
8. Using a pumpkin spray
Another way you can do to keep the pumpkin moisturized is by spraying the pumpkin with a conditioning spray. Make your conditioning spray by mixing a peppermint soap with some drops of essential oil. peppermint comes with anti-fungal properties and is going to keep the pumpkin smooth and soft.
After learning everything about how to keep carved pumpkins from rotting above, you need to follow the entire tips. And you will get the freshest pumpkin for the entire season.
