If you are looking for a unique fall decoration, pumpkin on a stick plants are an absolute eye-catcher that you can easily grow from seed in your garden or a container. The most intriguing fact about these miniature pumpkin-look-alikes is that they are ornamental eggplants. Pumpkin on a stick is planted in the spring, grown over the summer like other eggplants, and ready to harvest in the fall. They grow moderately fast, usually ready for harvesting about 75 days after sowing from seeds.
Solanum species are also called nightshades. They include these ornamental eggplants, other eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes and are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Drying pumpkin on a stick is a unique way to create decorative accents for the fall season. The miniature, pumpkin-shaped fruits are actually a type of ornamental eggplant that can be grown in the garden or purchased for drying. With the right harvesting and preservation techniques, these cute “pumpkins” on their natural vines can be turned into artistic displays that last for months.
Pumpkin on a stick (Solanum integrifolium) is a variety of eggplant that produces bright orange fruits on long branching stems lined with large leaves The eggplant pumpkins form in clusters along the vines, ripening in late summer to fall When dried, the fruits shrivel while retaining their brilliant color and stem attachment.
Unlike regular eggplant, pumpkin on a stick has tough, bitter flesh and is not eaten. While technically edible when orange, it is mainly grown as a novelty ornamental plant. The dried pumpkin vines keep their shape and color beautifully, lending a festive look to autumn decor.
When and How to Harvest for Drying
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Monitor plants starting in late summer, waiting for fruits to change from green to vivid orange.
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Use clean pruners to cut stems when pumpkins reach their deepest orange coloration. Try to time harvest before any hard frosts.
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Cut a range of stem sizes from small sprigs up to full, multi-pumpkin branches.
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Select only healthy, undamaged stems with plump fruits intact. Discard any dead or decaying vines.
Harvesting at peak ripeness retains the best color while capturing stems before deterioration.
Methods for Drying Pumpkin on a Stick Stems
Air Drying
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Gather 2-3 freshly cut stems and tie ends together to hang upside down. Use twine, rubber bands, etc.
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Hang bundles in a warm (60-70°F), dry, well-ventilated indoor area out of direct sunlight.
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Check bundles every few days until fully dried; leaves and stems will be crispy. Takes 2-3 weeks.
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Optional Spray dried fruits with clear acrylic varnish for added protection,
Dehydrator
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Arrange freshly cut stems on trays in a food dehydrator set to 115°F
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Rotate trays and check for dryness until stems are brittle, about 6-8 hours typically.
Oven
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Spread stems on baking sheets and place in oven on lowest setting, around 135°F.
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Prop door open slightly. Rotate trays and check often for doneness, 6-12 hours.
Proper drying retains color while fully dehydrating the vines. Avoid excess heat that can scorch or rot.
Displaying Dried Pumpkin on a Stick
Get creative with displaying your dried pumpkin stems:
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Incorporate into wreaths, swags, arrangements, and centerpieces.
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Make mini bouquets by binding stems together with raffia or twine.
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Display in vases or pitchers for bold texture.
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Hang individual stems around the home and on walls.
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Use to embellish candle displays, tablescapes, and mantels.
With proper storage, dried vines will last up to a year for seasonal decorating.
Growing Tips for Pumpkin on a Stick
Achieving the best harvest for drying starts with supportive care while growing:
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Harden off before transplanting outside.
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Plant in full sun in fertile soil after danger of frost passes. Space 18-24 inches apart.
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Provide steady moisture and mulch around plants. Stake tall vines for support.
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Apply liquid fertilizer monthly once fruits start forming.
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Monitor for pests like aphids; use insecticidal soap if needed.
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Harvest promptly when fruits reach peak color.
Choose disease-resistant varieties like ‘Red’ or ‘Early Season’ for prolific yields.
Avoiding Problems When Drying
Watch for these potential drying issues:
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Mold growth – Dry bundles in a warm, dry area with good airflow.
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Shriveled fruits – Pick when pumpkins are firm before heavy frosts.
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Fading color – Keep bundles out of direct sunlight while drying.
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Brittle, broken stems – Check often to avoid over-drying.
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Pumpkin drop-off – Harvest promptly when ripe.
With careful timing and the right techniques, you can successfully dry pumpkin on a stick into decorative accents that will shine in your fall and holiday displays.
Storing Dried Stems
After drying, take steps to properly store stems for maximum longevity:
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Allow bundles to fully cure for 1-2 weeks before displaying.
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Keep in a cool, dark, dry location like a closet or basement.
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Avoid exposure to humidity, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
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Handle gently to prevent breaking fragile dried vines.
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Consider spraying with clear acrylic sealer if needed for extra protection.
Properly stored dried pumpkin on a stick vines will maintain their color and flexibility for many months, allowing you to enjoy their novelty charm in seasonal decor year after year.
With the right growing, harvesting, and drying methods, you can easily turn pumpkin on a stick’s miniature “pumpkins” on vines into artistic festive accents. Display the preserved orange eggplant fruits in wreaths, arrangements, and displays for a signature touch of autumn whimsy.
Light
Like other eggplants, pumpkin on a stick needs full sun to produce flowers and stunning fruit.
Pruning
Like tomatoes, pumpkins on a stick rarely need pruning. If you notice the plant growing little suckers (baby offshoots late in the growing cycle), you can pinch those off to focus the growth on already developing branches and fruits.
Also, if the plant becomes too heavy that its stems are flopping to the ground, support those branches or cut them off to avoid fungal growth cropping up from the soil.
If handling the stems, beware that pumpkin on a stick has long, sharp thorns on the stems and leaves, so wear gloves.
Pumpkin on a Stick | Repotting, Care and Handling Tips & Tricks
FAQ
Do you put pumpkin on a stick in water?
Postharvest. I did not place in water, stems of “pumpkins” held for weeks out of water – pumpkins would continue to ripen and change color, very slowly they dehydrate and take on a new attractiveness and character of wrinkliness!; Doesn’t need anything special.
How do you dry pumpkins quickly?
If you want to dry the pumpkins, hang the entire stalk upside down in a cool dry location, removing leaves. This treatment prevents the fruits from sagging. Fruits will shrivel and the orange color will intensify. For eating, pick the fruits when orange and use in stir-fries.
How do you take care of a pumpkin on a stick?
Pumpkin on a Stick is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
How do you Dry a pumpkin on a stick?
Drying: If you wish to use Pumpkin on a Stick for decorative purposes, drying is key. After , remove any excess dirt or debris from the pumpkins. Choose a dry and well-ventilated area, and place the pumpkins on a rack or in a single layer on a clean surface. Allow them to air dry for several weeks until they become hard and lightweight.
Do you have to remove the shell of pumpkin seeds?
It is not necessary to remove the shell from pumpkin seeds, in fact it is even more interesting to leave it. However, as a matter of preference in texture, many people prefer to remove the shell.
How to use pumpkin on a stick?
Here are some guidelines to follow: Drying: If you wish to use Pumpkin on a Stick for decorative purposes, drying is key. After , remove any excess dirt or debris from the pumpkins. Choose a dry and well-ventilated area, and place the pumpkins on a rack or in a single layer on a clean surface.
How do you care for a pumpkin on a stick?
Proper watering and fertilizing are crucial for the successful growth of Pumpkin on a Stick. These plants have moderate water needs, so it’s important to maintain a consistent watering schedule. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing enough moisture to reach the root zone. Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to fungal diseases.
How much water does a pumpkin on a stick need?
Pumpkin on a stick needs consistent moisture to produce large, fully formed fruits, but it doesn’t do well in soggy soil. When it’s very hot, give it 1 to 2 inches of water per week or more if the soil feels dry. Like its relatives, tomatoes, pumpkin on a stick thrives in the summer heat and grows quickly in the right conditions.
How do you harvest Pumpkins on a stick?
Once the fruits have fully matured to their bright orange color, pumpkins on a stick are easy to harvest for decoration. Simply use a pair of pruners/shearers to cut the stem well below the fruit and hang in a cool, dry location. Eventually, the green stem will dry, and the fruits will remain orange.