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Getting a green pumpkin to turn orange happens naturally as the pumpkin matures, and you can help the process along by keeping it in warm, sunny conditions.
Pumpkins start green because they’re packed with chlorophyll, and as they ripen, that green fades and gives way to the orange carotenoid pigments hiding underneath.
So if you’ve been staring at a stubborn green pumpkin on your vine or counter and wondering how to get a green pumpkin to turn orange, you’re in the right place.
Whether you picked it a bit early or the season is running short, a green pumpkin can still turn orange with the right care.
In this post, we’ll walk through why pumpkins change color, how to get a green pumpkin to turn orange faster, and the mistakes that keep them stuck green.
Why a Green Pumpkin Turns Orange
A green pumpkin turns orange because of a natural ripening process driven by pigments and hormones inside the fruit.
Here’s why that color shift happens:
1. Chlorophyll Breaks Down
The green color you see on an unripe pumpkin comes from chlorophyll, the same pigment that makes leaves green.
As the pumpkin matures, chlorophyll begins to break down and fade away.
Once it fades, the underlying orange pigments get their chance to shine through.
2. Carotenoids Take Over
Beneath that green skin, carotenoids like beta-carotene are waiting.
These are the pigments responsible for the rich orange color we all associate with ripe pumpkins.
As carotenoid levels rise and chlorophyll drops, your green pumpkin slowly shifts to orange.
3. Ethylene Gas Plays a Role
Pumpkins release ethylene gas as they ripen, and this hormone speeds up the color change.
Trapping that gas around the pumpkin is one of the simplest ways to get a green pumpkin to turn orange.
The more ethylene that builds up, the faster the green fades and the orange appears.
4. Warmth Speeds Things Up
Warm temperatures encourage ripening, while cold slows it down or stops it completely.
That’s why a green pumpkin sitting in a chilly garage may stay green for weeks.
Keep it warm, and the process of turning a green pumpkin orange moves much faster.
How to Get a Green Pumpkin to Turn Orange Faster
If you want to speed things up, a few simple tricks can help your green pumpkin turn orange in days rather than weeks.
Try these methods:
1. Give It Plenty of Sunlight
Sunlight helps pumpkins finish ripening, so place your green pumpkin somewhere bright and warm.
A sunny windowsill or a warm porch works well.
Just rotate it every day so all sides get even exposure and the color develops evenly.
2. Use a Paper Bag
Placing your green pumpkin in a brown paper bag traps ethylene gas and accelerates ripening.
Toss in a ripe banana or apple for an extra boost of ethylene.
Check it daily, because this method can turn a green pumpkin orange surprisingly fast.
3. Keep It at Room Temperature
Aim for a warm spot around 70–80°F if you want your green pumpkin to ripen quickly.
Avoid the fridge, since cold temperatures halt the ripening process entirely.
Warmth is your best friend when you’re trying to get a green pumpkin to turn orange.
4. Leave a Bit of Stem On
If your pumpkin still has a stem, leave a couple of inches attached.
The stem helps the pumpkin retain moisture and continue ripening properly.
A pumpkin without a stem ripens faster but also tends to rot sooner, so keep an eye on it.
Mistakes That Keep a Green Pumpkin From Turning Orange
Sometimes a green pumpkin stays green because of a few common mistakes.
Here’s what to avoid:
1. Storing It Somewhere Cold
Cold stops ripening in its tracks, so a green pumpkin in the fridge will likely stay green.
Keep it warm if turning a green pumpkin orange is your goal.
2. Picking It Too Early
A pumpkin picked way before maturity may never fully turn orange.
If the skin is soft and pale, it wasn’t ready, and no amount of coaxing will fix that.
Always check that the rind is firm before harvesting.
3. Ignoring Rot
A green pumpkin that’s soft, mushy, or smelly is already rotting and won’t turn orange.
Check your pumpkin regularly and remove any that show signs of decay.
So, How Do You Get a Green Pumpkin to Turn Orange?
You get a green pumpkin to turn orange by keeping it warm, giving it sunlight, and trapping ethylene gas with a paper bag.
A green pumpkin turns orange naturally as chlorophyll fades and carotenoids take over, and the right conditions speed that process along.
Avoid cold storage and watch for rot, and your green pumpkin should color up nicely.
With a little patience, that stubborn green pumpkin will turn orange right before your eyes.