Out of all the Halloween decorations you can choose for your home, a jack-o’-lantern never gets old. It’s such a fun way to put your creativity to the test for spooky season. Plus, the decorating opportunities are endless—arrange a few on your porch, add some to the mantel, or make a few the star of a fall table centerpiece.
One downside, though? Considering all the effort that goes into carving pumpkins, many people have no clue that there are a few things to keep in mind to make their creations last as long as possible.
How long do carved pumpkins last?
Generally, carved pumpkins last between 3 to 5 days, but weather and sunlight can play a huge role in your lantern’s life. If you live in a colder climate, your pumpkin could last up to a week, but if it’s exposed to heat, it may only be a few days. Regardless of weather, once you carve into your pumpkin, its days are numbered! Here’s why: After you cut into a pumpkin's thick, tough skin, bacteria and fungi begin to break down the inside. But, no stress! Picking a good pumpkin, storing it correctly, and preserving it with homemade sealants will all help to extend the life of your Halloween craft.
When is the best time to buy a pumpkin, and how should I pick it?
The first step to a long-lasting jack-o’-lantern starts at the patch. Pick your pumpkin within a week of when you’re aiming to carve it (for instance, if you want it to be ready for Halloween celebrations, go hunting around October 24), and choose the healthiest one you can find! Some signs to watch out for: blemishes, bruises, a broken stem, and too-soft skin.
How to make pumpkins last longer
Really want to make sure those designs last as long as possible? Try a few hacks before carving your spooktacular faces to give an extra layer of protection to your pumpkin’s skin.
✔️ Start with a clean base. After scooping out all those guts and seeds, make sure to clean your pumpkin to give it a healthy, clean base. Disinfecting your pumpkin with a cleaning or vinegar solution not only gives it an attractive shine, but keeps the skin protected from mold and bacteria.
✔️ Create a good barrier. After cleaning, add another barrier by rubbing vaseline, petroleum jelly, or vegetable oil to really keep your future canvas sealed and safe.
✔️ Avoid heat, light, and curious pests. Some of the biggest threats to your carved creation are light and heat. While it may be tempting to keep your pumpkin on the porch or stoop for everyone to see, during the day, it's best to bring it indoors to keep it cool and fresh. If you just can’t resist showing off your gourd-geous decoration, try and put it in a shady spot away from sunlight. Placing your pumpkin on a table or stand will showcase your spooky decoration while also keeping it safe from any curious critters!
While carved pumpkins might not last until the next holiday season (Santa Claus pumpkin, anyone?), there are plenty of ways to extend the life of your smiling squash. This festive tradition is a perfect Halloween party idea or a fun family activity to get everyone into the spooky spirit! Scour the patch for your favorite (and healthy) pick, brainstorm some pumpkin carving ideas (or use our best pumpkin carving tips) and get to creating!
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Expertise: Food writing and editing. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas (rock chalk!) About Me: As the Digital Culinary Editor at Delish, Taylor writes and updates recipe intros with an SEO-focus, co-creates and sends the daily newsletter, and offers team-wide support to ensure that recipes are the best they can be. She worked previously as a Freelance Editor on the Hearst Lifestyle group, where she updated recipes and galleries and contributed ideas for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Prevention, and more. Taylor loves to try out different restaurants and bakeries around Brooklyn and is always hunting for her new favorite coffee shop and wine bar. When she's not writing about everything lemon-blueberry or one of our many margaritas, she can most likely be found reading, browsing her favorite bookstores, or enjoying a little treat.
