Jarrahdale pumpkin is a very tasty winter squash for use in soups, pies, and other delicious dishes. This winter pumpkin has blue-gray skin and deep orange flesh. This variety of pumpkins can weigh between 6 and 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.5 kg). Jarrahdale pumpkin grows very well in USDA zones 2 to 11. Learn how and when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin to taste this delicious pumpkin.
Jarrahdale pumpkin owes its name to a town in Australia where this pumpkin originated. The University of Arkansas mentions that the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a cross between Cinderella and Blue Hubbard pumpkin. The flavor of Jarrahdale pumpkin is very similar to that of Blue Hubbard pumpkin. Continue reading to find out how and when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin.
When to Harvest Jarrahdale Pumpkin
When to Harvest Jarrahdale Pumpkin? Jarrahdale pumpkin will be ready to harvest 95 to 100 days after planting. Not only do you have to count ripening days to know when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin, but there are other factors to consider as well.
When you notice the vine leaves starting to dry out, that is a perfect sign that the Jarrahdale pumpkin is ready to harvest. Observe daily how the vine leaves begin to dry out.
It is also important to check the toughness of the skin of the Jarrahdale pumpkin. Use your fingernail to press on the skin of the Jarrahdale pumpkin, if it leaves a mark, it is not ripe yet. A ripe Jarrahdale pumpkin will have hard skin.
Not all Jarrahdale pumpkins will be ripe at the same time, just pick the ripe pumpkins and let the remaining ones ripen on the vine. Be sure to harvest all Jarrahdale pumpkins before fall frosts begin.
So, to know when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin you should count the days of ripening, observe the vine leaves and check the firmness of the pumpkin skin.
How to Harvest Jarrahdale Pumpkin
How to Harvest Jarrahdale Pumpkin? You know when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin to get the best pumpkin flavor, now I’ll tell you how to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin to store the pumpkin as long as possible.
To harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin, you will need pruning shears or a sharp knife. Before using the harvesting tools, you should disinfect them with alcohol. Not all Jarrahdale pumpkins will be ready to harvest at the same time, only harvest mature pumpkins.
Select a mature Jarrahdale pumpkin and cut the stem, leaving a 2” to 3” (5 to 8 cm) long stem on the Jarrahdale pumpkin for better storage and preservation. It is important that the tools are well sharpened to make a perfect cut and not damage the vine.
Once the Jarrahdale pumpkin is harvested, do not wash it, just brush off the dirt. Be sure to harvest all Jarrahdale pumpkins before fall frosts begin.
How to Store Jarrahdale Pumpkin
How to Store Jarrahdale Pumpkin? To consume or store Jarrahdale pumpkin, it must first be cured. In a well-ventilated place where the pumpkins will not get wet if it rains, place the Jarrahdale pumpkins for 10 to 14 days for curing to take place. The ideal curing temperature for Jarrahdale pumpkin is between 80 and 85 °F (27 to 29 °C).
Once the curing process is complete, Jarrahdale pumpkin can be stored for several months. Typically, Jarrahdale pumpkins can be stored for 3 to 6 months without any problems. You can store Jarrahdale pumpkin in a garage with a temperature of 50 and 55 °F (10 to 13 °C).
Never stack Jarrahdale pumpkins, both for curing and storage. Stacking Jarrahdale pumpkins may cause damage and shorten storage time.
Final Conclusions
Jarrahdale pumpkin, originally from Australia, tastes very similar to Blue Hubbard pumpkin. You can make delicious soups and pies with Jarrahdale pumpkin. Remember to harvest all Jarrahdale squashes before frost starts.
I hope you find this article about how and when to harvest Jarrahdale pumpkin very useful and have an excellent harvest. I recommend our articles about how often to water pumpkins and how and when to harvest long island cheese pumpkin.
