How to Prep Real Pumpkins So They Will Last the Fall Season!

Updated: Oct 29

I love the Holidays, and I love to decorate for Fall. I especially love pumpkins!

My favorite pumpkins are heirloom pumpkins, but they cost so much money and can go bad in less than a month. I always ask myself, is it worth it?

I have an easy solution!

Prep your real pumpkins so they will last the Fall season. Mine lasted from September and through all of November last year when I prepped them as described below!

Use your prepped pumpkins in so many ways (See the pics at the bottom of the page):

On your front stoop/ steps
On your deck
As a part of a floral arrangement or Fall centerpiece
As a beautiful addition to your Fall or Thanksgiving table/tablescape
As decorations anywhere in your home or office
Embellish pumpkins by adding stickers pictures or phrases/scriptures- *see below for details.
And more! If you have other ideas, please let me know! Send pictures!

So let's get started!...

Prepping Real Pumpkins to last the Fall Season Items Needed:

Pumpkins
Sharp knife to cut the stems if needed
Dishwashing soap
Scrub brush
Bleach or prepared beach spray such as Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Bleach
Clear or glossy outdoor spray paint like Rust-Oleum

Directions:

1. Buy pumpkins and/or Heirloom pumpkins of different shapes, colors, and sizes. Trim the stems if needed.

A basket of Heirloom pumpkins from the grocery store — I bought these pumpkins from The Fresh Market.

pumpkins and fall flowers outside a market

2. Clean your pumpkins with soapy water.

Water from a hose spraying pumpkins on a table.

-I sprayed the pumpkins with water from the hose outside and then scrubbed the pumpkins with a brush and soapy water (dishwashing soap diluted with water).

3. Disinfect the pumpkins with a bleach/water mixture- (one part bleach, 3 parts water) Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Or use a prepared bleach spray. Spray and wipe down the pumpkins. Be sure to use the bleach spray on the stems as well. The bleach kills bacteria and mold, preventing the pumpkins from rotting.

pumpkins of a table sprayed with bleach and water

bleach, water, and a foaming bleach to clean pumpkins

4. Let pumpkins dry completely.

I left the pumpkins out in the sun for about an hour to dry.

5. Spray the pumpkins with outdoor clear-glossy (or semi-glossy) spray paint like Rust-Oleum Clear Coat. I used the shiny finish because I like the look. For a more natural look, use the satin finish. Spray the bottom of the pumpkin first with one coat, then let dry- about 10 - 15 minutes. Spray one more time, and let dry again.