It's pumpkin season once again here in the Quad Cities, the perfect time to celebrate all of fall's vibrant colors and flavors! We'll walk you through some of the best pumpkin varieties we've got in stock this season, teach you how to harvest and store pumpkins like a pro, inspire your home and garden decor, and share a few delectable pumpkin recipe ideas you won't want to miss.

Get ready for a Pumpkin-Palooza, Bettendorf!

Best Pumpkin Varieties in Bettendorf

Each pumpkin variety brings its own unique characteristics, with some ideal for cooking and decor and others being better suited for carving. Here are just a few of our favorite varieties we currently have in stock that are perfect for Bettendorf gardens:

• Carving Pumpkins: We have S,M,L and XL pumpkins perfect for carving, adding that spooky touch to your Halloween celebrations. Aside from the large range of sizes, they have smooth skin that makes for easy carving, and they are great for creative designs.

 

• Cinderella Pumpkins: With their deep orange hue and whimsical, flattened shape, Cinderella pumpkins are excellent for both decoration and cooking. They have a dense flesh that makes them ideal for savory dishes like soups and stews.

 

• Pie Pumpkins: These smaller, sweeter pumpkins are the go-to for all your baking needs. Their flesh is rich and creamy, perfect for pies, breads, and muffins. If you're in charge of desserts at your next Thanksgiving potluck, the pie pumpkin will quickly become your new best friend!
• Miniature Pumpkins: For those who love small accents in their home decor, miniature pumpkins like 'Lil Orange Mons' are ideal. They're perfect for indoor arrangements or even tabletops, offering charm without taking up too much space. Our Moonshine White pumpkins are also perfect for adding a little fall magic to your seasonal displays!

 

These local pumpkin varieties will ensure you have options for every occasion, whether it's for decorating, cooking, or carving stunningly spooky displays!

 

Perfecting the Harvest: Pumpkin Harvesting Tips for Bettendorf

If you're growing your own pumpkins this year, knowing when and how to harvest them is key to maintaining freshness and flavor. Here's what you need to know about bringing your pumpkins in from the garden: 

• Timing Your Harvest: The best time to harvest pumpkins is when they reach full color, their rind has hardened, and their stem is dry and woody. Pumpkins typically take 75–100 days to mature— depending on the variety—and are usually ready for picking sometime between the end of August and the end of October.
• Harvesting Tips: Use sharp garden shears or a knife to cut your pumpkin off its vine, leaving at least 2–4 inches of stem attached. This preserves your pumpkin's freshness and adds an extra decorative touch when used in displays.
• Curing Your Pumpkins: After harvesting, let your pumpkins cure in the sun for about 10 days. Curing helps toughen their skin, making them last longer. However, pumpkins don't fare well in freezing temperatures, so be mindful of early frosts, especially in Bettendorf's cooler climate.
• Storing Your Pumpkins: Store your pumpkins in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature range of between 50°F and 60°F. Your pumpkins will last for several months if stored properly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them as decor and in your home cooking.

 

Decorating with Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren't just for eating: they're also an iconic element of fall decor, offering endless possibilities for both indoor and outdoor arrangements! Here are a few creative ways to showcase your pumpkins this season:

• Outdoor Displays: Combine large pumpkins like Jack-O'-Lanterns or Cinderella pumpkins with smaller varieties such as Baby Boos to create a dynamic porch display. Stack them on hay bales, place them around garden beds, or scatter them along your front walkway to welcome guests with autumn charm.
• Indoor Accents: Miniature pumpkins are ideal for table centerpieces, mantle displays, or even as part of your bookshelf decor. Pair them with seasonal elements like gourds, dried leaves, and candles to create a cozy, rustic feel inside your home.
• Carving and Painting: Traditional pumpkin carving is always a favorite, but for a unique twist, try painting your pumpkins! Painting allows for more intricate designs and keeps your pumpkin displays fresher for longer.

 

Delicious Home Pumpkin Recipe Ideas

Of course, the best part of growing pumpkins is enjoying them in your kitchen, and we're known for cooking up a storm here at Wallace's! Here are a few delicious recipe ideas to help you make the most of your harvest:

• Whole Pumpkin Soup: Chef Steph's classic fall favorite, made with pie pumpkins and white wine, is perfect for chilly autumn evenings. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Pumpkin Pie: You can't talk about pumpkin recipes without mentioning the classic pumpkin pie! Use sugar pumpkins for a sweet, silky filling, topped with cinnamon and plenty of whipped cream.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Don't throw away the seeds after carving your pumpkins; roast them! Toss your seeds with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, then bake until crispy for a delicious, healthy snack.
• Pumpkin Bread: Moist and flavorful, our prize-winning pumpkin bread is a Bettendorf fall specialty! It's also a fantastic way to use up leftover pumpkin puree from your other seasonal delights.
• Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: These soft, savory pumpkin dinner rolls melt in your mouth and take Thanksgiving meals to a whole new level. 

Events

We're kicking off a fun-filled Quad Cities fall with our Pumpkin Palooza on Sept 28-29 right here at the garden center! Join us for games, free popcorn, a scavenger hunt, train rides, and so much more! Then, drop in again for some good old-fashioned pumpkin carving on October 19th and 26th. 

From selecting the best pumpkin varieties to perfecting the harvest, decorating your home, and enjoying delicious recipes, we're here to help you make the most of this ultimate fall crop. Head over to Wallace's this fall and start your own personal pumpkin Palooza today. We've got everything you need for a truly fabulous fall!