Burpee Garden Guide

Home Garden Guide FAQs How do I harvest pumpkins?

How do I harvest pumpkins?


  • Wait until the leaves die down and the fruit becomes a rich orange 
  • Cut pumpkins from the vine with pruning shears.
    • Leave about 3 inches of stem on the fruit. 
    • If the stems are broken rather then cut they can rot quickly.
  • Set pumpkins in the sun for a week or two to harden the outer skin.
  • Store pumpkins and a cool, dark, dry place