ripening pumpkins

[DeeBeka]

My daughter has managed to grow 2 pumpkins in a container on the patio. They aren't huge Halloween types but she is happy with them and they are a carveable size. However, although they have orange patches on them, they are still mostly green and I was wondering if there is a way to 'cheat' ripening. I have cut all the leaves off the plant. I did think about moving the whole kit and kaboodle to a sunnier spot in the garden but the tub alone weighs a ton and with the tendrils and pumpkins it would be a bit difficult. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to turn them orange in time or Halloween

[Hawkwalk]

remove the pumpkin from the plant and place it in full sun to ripen. Keep it off the ground to prevent it from sitting in a wet patch and it should be fine. They last a long time once cut so should be ok for Halloween.

[DeeBeka]

Thanks for that Hawkwalk. I was wondering if I could do that as the stems of the plants are all withered and dead looking now so the pumpkins can't be getting anything from them. Will do that when I get home today. Someone else said I could cut them off if they were ripe and when I tapped them, they sounded hollow. Fingers crossed this works otherwise I will have one upset 7 year old!!!

[terambulan]

Bring the pumpkin fruit indoors. While its pliable cut the pattern & remove innards. Place the shell with over ripe bananas (indoors & dry) for quick coloring.

[DeeBeka]

I didn't realise bananas would do that. However, if the pumpkin is carved now won't it go off? I know when we have carved shop bought ones, they only last about 3 or possibly 4 days before they go brown and soggy and collapse.