Pumpkin - How to ripen

[lynz34]

Last and final question, I promise!!

I've been growing a pumpkin plant in a raised bed, with a cloche cover (to protect from my neighbour's marauding 7 cats). Recently the majority of the plant has receded and is dying off. I missed watering it last week, and I think that's what caused the wilting. The problem is I have one pumpkin, which I would like to see to fruition. It's very big (10" in diameter) and dark green, with one side turning yellow, so it's getting there.

What steps should I take to ensure it ripens fully, even though plant is dying off? First year of growing pumpkin! It's been exciting, but don't want to fall at the final hurdle!!!

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

[astraman1]

what veriety is it ours continued ripening off the plant

[Aberdeenplotter]

Last and final question, I promise!!

I've been growing a pumpkin plant in a raised bed, with a cloche cover (to protect from my neighbour's marauding 7 cats). Recently the majority of the plant has receded and is dying off. I missed watering it last week, and I think that's what caused the wilting. The problem is I have one pumpkin, which I would like to see to fruition. It's very big (10" in diameter) and dark green, with one side turning yellow, so it's getting there.

What steps should I take to ensure it ripens fully, even though plant is dying off? First year of growing pumpkin! It's been exciting, but don't want to fall at the final hurdle!!!

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

No Idea about pumpkin but please keep the questions coming. It's the best way to find out how to go about things and we really enjoy trying to help

[sparrow100]

When the leaves have died and before the frosts, cut the pumpkin with a large 'T' of the vine on either side of the stem. That helps create a good seal for the pumpkin and helps prevent rot coming in. Don't use the 'T' as a handle to lift it...Put the pumpkin in a sunny warm spot for a few weeks to help the skin harden and the innards to ripen. Then put it in a cool dry frost-free area to store till you want it.