Why Your Pumpkin Turned To Mush So Fast (Hint: Weather Is To Blame)

They may have looked like an autumnal dream sitting on your porch for the last few weeks, but you've likely figured out by now that pumpkins don’t stay picture-perfect for long.

Whether you carved yours or left it whole, chances are it’s already starting to slump, shrivel or mold. That's because weather has more of an effect on pumpkins than you would expect.

There are five main factors that can make a pumpkin go from standing up tall to being an unsightly slouch on your front stoop:

1. Pumpkins Are Basically Giant Fruits

Pumpkins might look tough, but under that orange skin they’re mostly water (about 90%, in fact). Once you carve or even bruise the rind, moisture starts to escape, letting bacteria and fungi move in. That’s why carved pumpkins often start breaking down within just a few days.

(MORE: The Fall Ingredient Your Skin Will Love)

2. Cold Snaps Can Speed Up Rot

Temperature plays a huge role in how long your pumpkin lasts, and frost is a big one. If temperatures dip below freezing, the water inside the pumpkin’s cells freezes and expands. Once it thaws, the pumpkin turns soft and mushy almost overnight.

As fall progresses into winter, don't be surprised if the first frost wreaks havoc on your patch. This one tends to be more of a concern for folks up North since more mild air can linger for the South.

Which brings us to ...

3. Warm Weather Isn't Much Better

4. Rain, Dew, And Humidity Add To The Problem

This one may be the strongest factor for pumpkin decay. You might be thinking "But rain is good, right?" Well, not too much. The term to note is "excessive rainfall.” This can lead to plant borne diseases and the spread of mildew on pumpkins.

Illinois — a leader in U.S. pumpkin production — saw their wettest May through July period back in 2015, which flooded fields and caused mildew to spread. The result? The state’s pumpkin production was slashed by more than half.

(MORE: Pumpkin Crops Suffered Due To Extreme Weather In 2023)

Moisture is the enemy of preservation. A wet porch, heavy dew or several rainy days in a row create ideal conditions for mold to take over. Even uncarved pumpkins can start to rot from the bottom up if they sit in standing water or damp soil.

5. Wind Can Accelerate Dry Rot

While excess moisture causes soft rot, too much dry wind can lead to dehydration, causing your pumpkin to wrinkle and collapse. It’s a delicate balance: Too wet or too dry, and your fall decoration is doomed.

Tips:

• Keep pumpkins cool and dry by avoiding direct sun or damp surfaces.
• Bring your pumpkin inside during warm spells or frosty nights.
• Housing pumpkins in a garage or on covered porch can buy you a few extra days.

(MORE: When Should You Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin?)

In short, pumpkins rot quickly because nature is already working hard to return them to the soil, and the weather gives that process a serious boost. Whether it’s warm and humid or freezing and frosty, fall’s unpredictable swings can make it tough for fall's favorite gourd to survive the season.