How long will intact pumpkins last outside?

[gale65]

I bought a dozen pumpkins on sale today and had 3 already. I thought I'd give them one a week but my husband thinks the pumpkins won't last that long. We live in north central indiana, so it does get cold and freezing here but I didn't think that would be an issue. Is 2 pumpkins a week too many? If they won't last I can cut them up and freeze them but I'd rather not. We're getting a quarter of beef soon and won't have a lot of extra freezer space.

 

[kuntrychick]

I wish I could find some pumpkins on sale! I have been to 4 stores around here today & not a single pumpkin. Seen a few gourds but that's it.

I'm not sure how long they lasts, but I know a lot of people at least have their whole pumpkins out on display before Halloween & then leave them out to a little after Thanksgiving.

It's probably according to weather too but not sure. We've been having awesome weather...sunny, temps in the 70s (which I would think would make them spoil faster), but then tomorrow night it's supposed to drop to the 30s.

 

[OldGuy43]

One year, while living in central Illinois we bought a pumpkin for Halloween with every intention of carving it. One thing led to another and we put out behind the house and forgot it. Next spring we were surprised with a healthy pumpkin vine. From that viewpoint I guess they'll last forever.

 

[Beekissed]

You can just store them in a sheltered and dry place and let them freeze, thaw, freeze again. Long about Jan/Feb on a nice warm day and your pumpkins are looking like deflated, moldy blobs~throw it in with the flock. They will make short work of this fermented and quite good for them pumpkin...easier to eat, sweeter to the taste and good nutrition.

 

[gale65]

thanks. I've read your posts abut fermented foods and all that but I really prefer to avoid giving them anything moldy. So I'm hoping that someone maybe knows or has some experience with keeping pumpkins for part of the fall/winter months or even if it's ok to give them 2 pumpkins a week.

 

[Fred's Hens]

We dry store pumpkins and squash in our unheated garage and in our cool basement. If they were solid, they'll easily last another month. With 12 birds, I'd not worry about feeding them once or twice a week. Feed them as long as they last. A pumpkin that freezes will deteriorate somewhat more quickly. You might get to feed them all at two pumpkins per week.

 

[r4eboxer]

On my farm they last until the deer find them

, but seriously you don't want a freeze to get them. I have pumpkins laying all over the property (I swear a pumpkin could grow in concrete) and they will be fine until they get frozen then they tend to start to decompose. Put them in a cool dark place and they will last longer.

 

[Tracydr]

I'd feed one at a time until they're gone. If you can store where they don't get frozen they'll last longer. Wash them with a diluted bleach solution, it will help prevent them from spoiling.

 

[Stark]

If you have freezer space you could always chunk them (for room) and freeze them until you need them...nice wintery snack for the birds.

Otherwise as others said, try to keep them in a protected area where they will either freeze solid and stay that way, or not freeze at all...the freeze/thaw cycling is what takes them out fastest.

 

[ll]

Keep them out of the sun - mine last thru Thanksgiving on my porch.
Also prevent them from freezing, mine turned to mush after a freeze/thaw on the porch.