Pumkin help please

[mandyballantyne]

Hi All,

I have just got back from holiday to find that my pumpkin plant has been killed or died of natural causes or something

Anyway I have one large pumpkin which is ripe on top and is starting to turn orange on the sides too. Question is do I leave it on the remaining plant to ripen or should I remove it?

First attempt at growing them so I have not got a clue on this.

Thanks in advance, Mandy

[momol]

Hi Mandy,

Sorry to hear that. If the vine has died, you should pick your pumpkin ( there is no point letting them on the ground). Once you pick them handle them gently to avoid any bruising, wash them with clean water and dry them.If they are fully matured, cured them for 10 days or 2 weeks at room temperature ( do not pile them, let there be room for air circulations ) , after that it is save to store them at the cool place but free from frost untill time to eat at the garage or the basement ( if they are edible type ).
I think there are several threads posted before about pumpkin and related issues, but I can't remember exactly what was it about. Here is a website about squash handling, etc:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1620.html
http://hort-devel-nwrec.hort.oregons...u/pumpkin.html



All the best,
Momol

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Momol,

It is what I would say full size, bigger than a football but only ripe on top.

I will pick and do as you suggest.

Thanks again, Mandy