Frank J Warner wrote:

Yes. I did a search on pumpkins in this ng before posting my questions
and have heard you say that, but I'm interested in yer regular
run-of-the-mill orange jack-o-lantern pumpkin pie pumpkins.

2. How long can they remain on the vine before they are past their
prime? Do they get woody, lose their flavor, or does other bad things
happen to them if you don't pick them at the peak time?

Many thanks, as usual.

-Frank



I think they are ready to pick when you cannot pierce the skin with your
thumbnail (then give them another week for good measure). Also the stem
should be woody. Maybe someone who has grown them before can give you
more details, but hopefully this will help.

Bob