A question about pumpkins if I may...

What happens, or what should happen, to the blossom end of a pumpkin? Because mine has a little nobbly bit on it which I assumed should dry up or fall off? I'm trying to grow Big Max pumpkins (they're small but that's besides the point) and this is my first time. I assume I don't cut it off? But otherwise they won't sit flat.

I can't find an answer anywhere and I feel like perhaps I'm not phrasing my question very well. I just keep coming up with information about blossom end rot.

Also I feel like this is one of those questions where next year I will feel really daft for asking. lol

 

I guess you can cut it off if you want it for carving, but if you want to store it I'd leave it.

 

But dont cut it off until you carve it incase it causes it to rot.

 

Thank you.

 

I agree, if you damage the stalk then it let's rot in and they don't store for very long. I only grow them to eat, so I leave the stalk intact.

 

I don't mean the stalk though, I mean the bit where the flower was. It's protruding now and I've never seen that in store bought pumpkins. Thanks though, I will keep that in mind.

 

Edit: Never mind, I think I misunderstood your post. My fault.

 

I guess the answer really is that commercial growers pick 'the best ones' (with a flat bottom) for Halloween - and I just happen to not have any of those for whatever reason. I'll have to make a judgement on what to do later.

 

The flower will be at the opposite end to the stalk and if ripe, the flower will shrivel and fall off or you can just gently twist it off when dry.
If you intend to store it for later eating, leave well alone. If it is for decoration only, and won't sit flat, either some form of cup or hang it if possible.

 

I do wonder if it had been trimmed after the flower dropped of if it might have just calloused over in dry sunny conditions, cutting it off in damp conditions and after its stopped growing is asking for rot to set in IMO.

If you just want it for halloween its not a problem as most get trashed after the day anyway.

 

That's a good point. I was so focused on the fruit itself, I didn't consider alternative ways to stand it upright.

 

Always easy to over think things...... I'm sure it will behave itself and look lovely

 

If you want it for display then standing it in some pine cones, pine stems or walnuts would be seasonal and effective. If it's for eating, then it can just as well sit on its side till you're ready to cook it.

 

Basically, either top or bottom, if you cut through where it has callused over, it will invite rot in. For carving it won't matter much as it will still keep alright for a week or more outside but if you wanted to store it for longer indoors, to eat, then you might be in trouble.