How to Keep Pumpkins From Rotting

Tips

• Don't Carve It: An uncarved pumpkin is less prone to deterioration than a carved pumpkin. The exterior protects it from bugs, mold, mildew, and keeps moisture inside. If you plan to carve, wait until right before Halloween. You can decorate a pumpkin without carving it at all.
• Bleach Spray: Spray your jack o lantern with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water (or household cleaner with bleach). Use proper precautions. You can also soak the pumpkin in bleach water. Mist daily to prevent mold and mildew.
• Pumpkin Preservative Spray: Commercially made pumpkin preservative sprays are available that claim to extend the life of your carved pumpkin, though not everyone believes they work as well as claimed.
• Petroleum Jelly: Apply a generous coating of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the sterilized carved pumpkin. It will keep bad stuff out and moisture in, and should keep the jack o lantern fresh for about a week. Wipe out excess jelly from inside before displaying. Note: spraying with bleach will not be effective after applying petroleum jelly.
• Acrylic Finish Spray: Use an acrylic finish spray in an aerosol can to keep your pumpkin from rotting. The spray keeps moisture in and bad stuff out.
• Protect From Elements: Keep your jack o lantern protected from direct sunlight, rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and wildlife that might eat it.
• Use Artificial: Consider using an artificial pumpkin instead of a fresh one. High quality artificial pumpkins can be used year after year and will never rot. Some can even be carved.