Pumpkins are generally ready to harvest from late August through the end of October, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Key signs of readiness include:
- The pumpkin reaches its mature color, often orange but can be white, red, or other colors depending on the variety.
- The skin hardens and becomes tough enough that a fingernail cannot easily pierce it.
- The stem turns brown and becomes dry and woody.
- The pumpkin sounds hollow when tapped.
- The foliage on the plant dies back.
It is best to leave pumpkins on the vine until fully mature for the best storage life, but harvest before the first hard frost to avoid damage. When harvesting, cut the pumpkin off the vine with about 8 to 10 cm of stem attached to extend storage life.
