How to Ripen Pumpkins off the Vine: Easy Tips for Perfect Pumpkins

There are a few upsides to living in a Zone 3 growing zone, but sometimes those are hard to find. There are several downsides, and unripe pumpkins are one of them.Not only are there always green pumpkins left in the field, you also have to ripen green tomatoes indoors.But no worries! Just because your pumpkins aren’t ripe you, doesn’t mean you are losing out on delicious pumpkin pies and desserts.Knowing how to ripen pumpkins off the vine will ensure you have enough pumpkin to go around.Green pumpkins can turn orange in a warm spot weeks after you have picked them. There are several different tricks to ripen pumpkins.One such method is placing them in sunshine. Pumpkins love sunshine, so setting them out where they can soak up some rays will help speed up the ripening process.If it’s too chilly outside, which is usually the reason you picked them in the first place, you can bring them indoors. Just like with bananas, putting your pumpkins in a cozy spot indoors can work wonders.Keeping them at room temperature will help them turn faster than a colder area. This helps your pumpkins warm up and get ready to turn that lovely orange you’re hoping for.Understanding Pumpkin MaturityPumpkins in the garden that haven’t reached a certain level of maturity will not ripen indoors.This is important to remember. They need to develop a certain level of skin thickness for them to be mature enough to ripen indoors.A good way to determine this is by pressing your nail into the skin. If you’re able to hardly a dent, your pumpkin is mature enough. The skin should resist, and not puncture.The stem is another clue. A green stem means the pumpkin might need more time. When ready, the stem is brown and hard.Ripe pumpkins also sound different. When you thump them, it should sound hollow, not dull. Look for these signs before picking to ensure ripeness.These are also good ways to test squash ripeness.If it’s too soft, you’re still welcome to bring it inside and watch it. There is a chance that pumpkin will mold instead of turning orange.I’m guessing, in most cases, you’re bringing in the pumpkins because the season is over and you have frost warnings in your area.Because I don’t like to waste, I bring in as many pumpkins as possible. I do usually end up tossing a few that turn soft, instead of tossing perfectly good green pumpkins.This year we had some beautiful pumpkins. None of them turned orange in the garden.Usually we have at least a few, but because we had such a cold Spring, they got a late start. I ended up tossing three that became rotten. We still have 5 or more pumpkins to can. That is more than we will ever need, so I am preparing to give some away.Harvesting TechniquesUsing sharp garden shears or a knife, cut the pumpkin from the vine. Leave a few inches of stem, around 2 to 4 inches, since this helps in storing and ripening.Be careful not to carry them by the stem, as they can snap off easily.Handle pumpkins with care to avoid bruising them, which can lead to rot. Bumping them around is a no-no. Arrange them in a single layer in a dry, warm spot if you’re planning to let them ripen more after harvesting.Store them on cardboard in a well-ventilated area. Do not stack them; they need their space. Keep an eye out for any signs of mold.Ripening Techniques to Ripen Pumpkins off the VineMaking sure your pumpkin ripens properly even when it’s off the vine can make a big difference. You’ll need different methods depending on whether you’re doing it inside or outside.Indoor Ripening MethodsWhen you bring pumpkins inside, a warm, sunny spot works best. Place them near a window where they can soak up sunlight.The sun helps them turn that lovely orange color. If sunlight is hard to get, try using a bright lamp instead.Keep pumpkins in a dry area. Dampness can cause rot or mold.A room with good air flow is ideal for avoiding moisture. Rotate your pumpkins every few days. This helps them ripen evenly on all sides.Outdoor Ripening StrategiesIf the weather is still nice, you can leave your pumpkins outside to finish ripening. Just make sure to bring them inside if frost is in the forecast. Frost can ruin pumpkins quickly.Keep them in a sunny spot, like a porch or garden table, away from wet ground. Elevate them slightly using a board or some other material to keep them off the damp earth.This prevents moisture from sitting on the pumpkin.Turn your pumpkins every few days to make sure all sides get sun, which helps in ripening evenly.If birds or animals start poking around, it might be a good idea to cover the pumpkins with a thin net or light cloth for some protection.Storing Ripening PumpkinsWe don’t all have room indoors to store ripening pumpkins. They do well in a shed or garage area. A basement is another area that works well to ripen pumpkins.Remember that a sunny location will ripen them more quickly. However, if you aren’t in a rush, a shaded, well ventilated area works just as well.Moisture and freezing temperatures are a mature pumpkins worst enemies.If you need that pumpkin soon, place it into a sunny spot for a quicker turn around.A pumpkin stored in a dark area can take several weeks to turn, while a sunny spot will hasten the process.Knowing how to ripen pumpkins off the vine means that a killing frost doesn’t need to decimate the pumpkins in your patch. Instead, take them indoors to watch them turn orange.