Do pumpkins ripen off the vine

It's no secret that growing pumpkins is a commitment. Not only do they require up to 130 days to mature, but they also take up a lot of room in your garden.

Because of the time and effort pumpkins need, you may just skip the whole process and go to your local pumpkin patch.

How to store pumpkins for months

Or maybe you're all in this year and ready to harvest. Either way, you'll want to know when to pick pumpkins so they're perfectly ripe.

If you pick pumpkins too soon, they won't last; pick them too late, and they'll be soft and mushy.

But first, you need to decide from different types of pumpkins. "It's really personal preference," says Luther McLaughlin, general manager of vegetables for PanAmerican Seed. "Everyone has a favorite type." You'll find pumpkins every color including white, bright orange, blue, and even speckled and shapes that vary from the classic round to a more oval profile.

If you're growing your own, here's what you need to know about planting pumpkins to ensure ripeness and how to make pumpkins last longer.

How to Grow Pumpkins

when can i harvest pumpkins

when should i grow pumpkins