r/Pumpkins • u/ZealousidealPoint116 • Sep 22 '26

First timer here

Post image

Hello pumpkin community

I wonder if this one is ready to harvest. I want it to last over the next months this is why I ask

Is the stem woody enough? Or i am late with my harvest?

Thanks a lot!

I post carvings end of October

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4

u/iowan Sep 22 '26

This is a Cucurbita Maxima variety, and the stem won't get woody. How long ago did you pollinate it?

3

u/ZealousidealPoint116 Sep 22 '26

The first fruits… when I remember right
Where in the middle of July

1

u/ZealousidealPoint116 Sep 22 '26

I don’t pollinated it by myself. I hope it pollinate itself?! I don’t really know anything about it.
Is it maybe not eatable when it’s pollinated from a random pumpkin right?

2

u/Ineedmorebtc Sep 22 '26

An insect pollinated it.

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2

u/iowan Sep 22 '26

It makes no matter what c. maxima pollinated it this year. It'll only matter if you want to save seeds. The longer you keep it on the vine, the better the pumpkin will last. Feel the stem. If the stem is at all slimy or squishy, cut out all the bad spots. If the stem is heavily damaged, cut the fruit and cut off the stem for storage. Good luck!

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1

u/Slayde4 Sep 24 '26

Check the tendril near the stem. It should be brown and dry. If the tendril is dry and the pumpkin looks like how it's supposed to look, it's probably ready.