Consistent summer rains spur this year’s Texas pumpkin harvest
Texas pumpkin producers are experiencing a strong harvest thanks to consistent rainfall and a dry July. While quantity is on par with last season’s harvest, producers say overall pumpkin quality is better compared to last year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Floyd County, said consumers can expect a significant improvement when purchasing their Texas-grown pumpkins this year.
Floyd County, east of Lubbock in the Texas High Plains, is where the bulk of Texas pumpkins are grown.
“Overall, producers in Floyd County saw early, consistent rainfall early in the growing season, which is needed for pumpkin producers,” Carroll said. “This was followed by a dry period during the second week of July, providing the ideal dry climate for pumpkin growers.”
Pumpkin prices are expected to remain consistent, with some variability as Halloween approaches. For the best prices, consumers are encouraged to purchase their pumpkins early.
Carroll said consumers can prolong the life of fresh, Texas pumpkins by keeping the bottom dry to prevent wet rot and decay. He also recommends carving your jack-o-lanterns no earlier than Oct. 20 to prolong the quality of a pumpkin for Halloween decor.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, Economic Research Service reported Texas as the national leader in pumpkin revenue. While states like Illinois. Indiana and Michigan lead in production quantity; most of their product is used for pie filling and processed foods, receiving a lower price per pound than Texas’ ornamental jack-o-lantern-style pumpkin.
Favorable conditions for Texas pumpkin growers
Juan Anciso, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulture program leader and associate head of the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, said that Floyd County poses an ideal location for Texas pumpkin production.
“Pumpkin production can be tricky,” Anciso said. “Fresh market pumpkins grown for Halloween have to be planted between two of the hottest months in Texas, June and July.”
Anciso said cooler nights in the Panhandle help to provide the temperatures required to produce a heat-sensitive crop like pumpkins.
Pumpkins thrive in mild, frost-free climates with plenty of water. Unlike midwestern states, Texas producers battle warmer temperatures and windier conditions that slow the growing rate for pumpkins and affect fruit set. Producers in Floyd County utilize drip irrigation to ensure their pumpkin crops remain cool and receive adequate and timely water.
Anciso acknowledged a history of success for pumpkin production within the state. Data shows Texas led the nation in 2020 for pumpkin crop value at $25.9 million, according to USDA While dry weather reduces yields, it helps to produce a higher quality pumpkin, contributing to the increase in pumpkin prices compared to other states.
Both Carroll and Anciso encouraged consumers to purchase pumpkins from bins containing a Texas pumpkin logo to ensure support of Texas producers.
PHOTO: The Texas pumpkin crop has a higher quality than last year, thanks to more favorable conditions. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)
