When to pick pumpkins?

[Fairweather friend]

Hi,
I have 3 huge pumpkins that are completely ripe. I don't know if I should pick them now or leave them on the plant as I had planned for to let the kids make jack o lanterns out of them at Halloween. How long do they keep if picked now? They are probably too heavy to carry anyway so I maybe better off picking them and cooking them and buying smaller ones to carve!

[rustylady]

Ripe pumpkins will store for months if stored somewhere cool and airy.

[Fairweather friend]

That's great, I will pick them and store them. Thanks

[Florence Fennel]

Try to leave plenty of stalk on them, they'll last even longer