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Location

Message

Date Posted

Lake Elmo, Minnesota

I read, some time ago, about growers putting something on pumpkins once they're cut from the vine to increase the color. Some type of liquid like vegetable oil or maybe even Lemon Pledge. Does anything actually help increase the orange color? Any first-hand testimonials?

9/5/2003 3:57:16 PM

Grants Pass, Oregon

Andyman, last year I applied some vegetable oil on a cloth and wiped on the pumpkin it turned a dark orange the next day for me.

9/5/2003 4:09:38 PM

Nova Scotia

they say olive oil. i used it on mine and it worked great

9/5/2003 4:10:09 PM

Edmonton, Canada

Applying anything to the surface of a pumpkin could make it illegal for weigh-offs. Just so you know...

9/5/2003 4:30:23 PM

Rhode Island

two things may work for you one is called wilt pruf which can help prevent loss of moisture from the pumpkin the other is lemon pledge to give your pumpkin a nice shine good luck pete

9/5/2003 7:49:06 PM

Oz

can you add oil before u pull them?

9/5/2003 9:07:38 PM

Montoursville, PA

Horticultural oil as little as one third ounce in a gallon of spray will serve the same purpose. In some instances as noted the orange that was really there unseen is brought out to your pleasure. So if you are wipping the fruit with a mild solution of chlorox as a mild fungicide add a few drops of horticultural oil. No surface slicking or waxing takes place. The fruit absorbs the treatment and responds to the oil. There are growing reasons other than color enhancement but even for that it is not a surface application like waxes would be. No rule infraction what so ever.

9/5/2003 9:50:54 PM

Oz

what about beta carotene poltice? like the calcium towel.
i know they grow it in open ponds....
would that be a no no?
id like to see one dyed,,,,purple!!!lol red white and blue.

9/6/2003 2:20:23 AM

Commack, NY

be advised, if there is any green in your fruit, that will become more pronounced as well.
Scott

9/6/2003 9:34:32 AM