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Types of Pumpkins

There are many kinds of pumpkins to choose from when it comes to carving and embellishing. What you choose will depend on what kind of project you want to make. Here are just some of the main options!

• Standard pumpkins: Your typical pumpkin is big, orange, and sturdy. This is a go-to pumpkin for any project! Common varieties include Cinderella and Jack O’ Lantern (yes, that’s a real type of pumpkin!).

• Mini pumpkins: Tiny pumpkins have variety names like Jack-be-littles, Munchkins, and Baby Boos, and they are just as cute as their names. These little pumpkins aren’t as easy to carve, but they’re perfect as fall foliage décor accents, and they can be painted or embellished with very little material or effort.

• White and gray pumpkins: Depending on what you do with a white pumpkin, it can be creepy—like a ghost!—or elegant. Whatever you choose to do with it, white pumpkins are definitely a welcome departure from the norm. The Lumina variety in particular is white on the outside and bright orange on the inside, giving a very cool effect when carved.

• Other colored pumpkins: Pumpkins come in many other colors and patterns, like blues, greens, stripes—you name it, it probably comes on a pumpkin! Each variety is slightly different, so do a little research before attempting to carve a pretty pumpkin you’re not familiar with.

• Gooseneck gourds: We can’t forget good old gourds! The unique shape of a gooseneck or swan gourd, with their long necks and stems, is a treat to work with for embellishing techniques.

• Knobbly/warty pumpkins and gourds: These are a challenge (or next to impossible) to carve, but the allover bumps are really eye-catching. Try incorporating them into your design!

Choosing High-Quality Pumpkins

Picking your particular pumpkin is important! Buy one with smooth, unblemished skin—no cuts or dents. If you want the carving process to be easier, pick a pumpkin with one flat side to carve on. A nice, uniform color means a pumpkin is ripe, and that’s what you want. To test if a pumpkin is too old, press your thumb up on the bottom; if it’s soft or pokes through, that’s not a fresh pumpkin!

TIP: Don’t be afraid to purchase a pumpkin with an irregular shape. Sometimes a weird shape can positively affect the personality of your pumpkin!