Preserving Jack-O-Lanterns

Pumpkins are everywhere during this fall season. One of our neighbors carved their pumpkins several weeks ago and with the heat those poor jack-o-lanterns collapsed pretty quickly. Carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns is an art form that comes in all shapes, sizes and levels of difficulty. The final product (usually) makes the pumpkin carvers proud and anxious to display their work. However, often just a few days later, the pumpkin creation may start to wither and rot, and eventually, mold will take over. Why does this happen? When we carve the pumpkin it exposes the insides to air flow and other environmental factors. Molds are a fungal micro-organism that have the potential to live everywhere. These fungi release tiny, lightweight spores that allow them to travel through the air. They can then infect and cause carved pumpkins to shrivel, soften and start to grow fuzzy, grey mold. Some factors to help keep your jack-o-lanterns for a longer period:

1. Thoroughly wash your pumpkin before cutting into it.
2. Sterilize spoons, knives or other carving tools before use, especially between pumpkin carving.
3. Remove all the pumpkin’s insides to reduce the surface area where potential fungi can grow.
4. To prevent mold and help keep the pumpkin fresh you can either:
   1. Dip, wash or spray your finished carving with a 10 percent bleach solution
   2. Spray the inside with lemon juice
5. Rub the cut areas with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, which helps lock in the moisture.
6. Consider using an electric light or glow stick instead of a candle. This will prevent the gourd from “cooking”.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu