Green pumpkins. Sage, deep forest, speckled gray-green.
They've quietly become one of the favorite fall decor pieces on Pinterest, and it makes sense. Green pumpkins look calmer than orange, they sit better with wood, linen and stoneware, and they look right from late September straight through Thanksgiving. Group three in a low bowl and you have a centerpiece.
Why green works
Orange is loud and very seasonal. It says Halloween. Green pumpkins say fall in a quieter voice. They also blend with houseplants and greenery, so they look natural in almost any room.
Varieties to look for
- Jarrahdale: blue-gray green, ribbed.
- Musquee de Provence (Fairytale): deep green turning tan.
- Marina di Chioggia: dark green and warty.
- Kabocha: dark green, small, often at grocery stores.
- Speckled Hound: green with orange speckles.
Farmers' markets have the best range. Some grocery stores carry kabocha and acorn squash, which also look great.
Group in threes
Three green pumpkins in different shades and sizes: one pale sage, one deep forest, one speckled. Put them in a low bowl, on a board or straight on the table.
Add something cream
A short cream candle, a cream pumpkin or a linen napkin next to the green brings out the color.
Dried leaves and stems
A scatter of dried copper leaves or a few curled stems around the base add a little warmth.
Where to use green pumpkins
- Dining table centerpiece.
- Kitchen windowsill.
- Front steps, mixed with white pumpkins.
- Mantel, in a row.
- Coffee table tray.
Painted green pumpkins
If you can't find real green pumpkins, paint white or faux ones with a matte sage or forest green chalk paint. Real ones look better and last until Thanksgiving; painted real pumpkins rot faster because paint traps moisture.
Colors that pair with green pumpkins
- Cream and white pumpkins for a soft, neutral mix.
- Dusty blue-gray Jarrahdales for a cool palette.
- Tan and buff Long Island Cheese pumpkins for a warm neutral look.
- A single rust or terracotta pumpkin as an accent.
Keep the palette muted. The moment bright orange comes in, the calm goes.
Making green pumpkins last
- Keep them out of direct sun and away from radiators.
- Handle them by the body, not the stem.
- Wipe them with a cloth dampened in diluted vinegar to slow mold.
- Set them on a dry surface, not directly on damp stone or wood.
Kept this way, most green heirlooms last well past Thanksgiving.
Green pumpkins in every room
A few more ideas:
- Entry table: one large green pumpkin beside the key bowl.
- Bookshelf: a small one on a stack of books.
- Bathroom: a tiny one on the windowsill.
- Bedroom: one on the dresser beside a candle.
Cooking them afterward
Many green pumpkins, especially kabocha, Fairytale and Marina di Chioggia, are delicious roasted or in soup. When the season's over, cook them.
What it costs
- Three heirloom green pumpkins: $10 to $30.
- Low stoneware bowl: $25 to $80.
Mistakes to avoid
- All the same green. Mix shades.
- Painting real pumpkins.
- Mixing with bright orange. It loses the calm.
- Leaving them in sun. They soften faster.
Green pumpkin FAQ
Where can I buy green pumpkins?
Farmers' markets, pumpkin patches and some grocery stores, which sell kabocha and acorn squash.
What are green pumpkins called?
Common green varieties include Jarrahdale, Fairytale, Marina di Chioggia and kabocha.
How do you decorate with green pumpkins?
Group three in different shades in a low bowl, add something cream and a few dried leaves.
Can you eat green pumpkins?
Many are excellent to eat, especially kabocha and Fairytale.
