Best Pumpkins for Carving

The most commonly used pumpkins for carving are the Connecticut field types. These are the ones that are available beginning in the early fall through Thanksgiving and are bright orange in color. These pumpkins are striking in appearance and help create a good fall theme, but they are poor keepers and usually deteriorate on your doorstep before you are ready to remove your fall decorations.

The Kentucky Field Pumpkins or Cornfield Pumpkins, though less striking in appearance, have superior keeping qualities and hold up well when carved for Halloween. The Kentucky Field Pumpkin has a lite tan surface and the orange flesh is thick and of excellent quality for pie making and other culinary uses.

John Coykendall, Master Gardener