Pumpkins come in a variety of colors, ranging from the traditional orange to white, green, yellow, red, blue, and more. While orange pumpkins are the most common, knowing the range of pumpkin colors can help when picking out the perfect pumpkin for carving, painting, or displaying. The four most common colors that pumpkins come in are orange, white, grey, and green.
Orange
Orange is by far the most common and traditional pumpkin color. When most people think of pumpkins, they picture round, orange ones. Orange pumpkins get their bright color from high levels of carotenoids, the same pigments responsible for carrot and sweet potato’s orange hues. Carotenoids like beta-carotene build up in the rind of orange pumpkins as chlorophyll – the green pigment – breaks down as the pumpkin ripens. This results in the vibrant orange color. Orange pumpkins come in many shades, from a pale orange to a deep reddish-orange. Shades can vary depending on the variety.
Some popular orange pumpkin varieties include:
– Jack-O-Lantern – The classic round, ribbed pumpkin great for carving. These range from 10-20 pounds typically and have an orange skin with some green mottling.
– Sugar Pie – Small, round pie pumpkins with finely grained, sweet flesh. These are 4-8 pounds usually and bright orange.
– Connecticut Field – A large, oblong pumpkin weighing 15-25 pounds normally. It has a flat base so it sits upright well and has a bold orange color.
– Howden – A popular carving pumpkin with a symmetrical, round-oval shape. It has deep orange skin and can weigh 15-35 pounds.
– Baby Bear – Miniature pumpkins, only 2-4 pounds. They are globe-shaped with deep orange, slightly ribbed skin.
Orange pumpkins are the go-to for jack-o-lanterns and traditional fall decor since their color fits the harvest season aesthetic. The variety of orange shades and shapes available make them versatile and customizable.
White
White pumpkins are much less common than orange varieties, but offer a unique look. They range in color from a pure clean white to an off-white or pale beige. The white outer skin comes from a lack of orange pigment, so these pumpkins never transition from green to orange as they ripen. White pumpkins tend to be smaller, averaging 5-15 pounds. Popular white pumpkin varieties include:
– Lumina – A pure white pumpkin weighing 6-16 pounds on average. It has a glowing white round shape perfect for painting.
– Snowball – Bright white mini pumpkin weighing only 1-2 pounds. It has a cute round shape.
– Baby Boo – Popular miniature white pumpkin weighing 2-4 pounds. It has a ghostly white color and squat round shape.
– Cotton Candy – Medium 8-12 pound pumpkin with white skin dappled with pale pink blushing. Has a round, slightly ribbed shape.
– White Walnut Squash – Shaped like an elongated acorn with ribs. Has creamy beige skin and typically weighs 8-12 pounds.
White pumpkins make for stunning displays when mixed with orange varieties. Their ghostly vibe also suits Halloween themes. They also work well for painting or crafting since their off-white canvases take to paint easily. The smaller varieties can make for cute table decor and fall accents.
Grey
Grey is an unconventional pumpkin color that offers an alternative to basic orange. Grey pumpkins get their unique color from having a thick, hard rind that lacks orange pigmentation. Beneath the ashy grey exterior, their flesh is still yellow-orange. Popular grey pumpkin varieties include:
– Jarrahdale – Medium-large pumpkin weighing 15-25 pounds with blue-grey skin and large ribs. Oblong shape.
– Cinderella – French variety with a flattened round shape, lighter whitish-grey color, and 4-7 pound weight.
– Fairytale – Heirloom French pumpkin with a flattened, heavily ribbed shape. Skin is pale beige-grey and they weigh 6-10 pounds.
– Atlantic Giant – Prized for size, these grey-blue pumpkins can grow over 1,000 pounds. They have lightly ribbed, mottled grey-blue skin.
– Blue Doll – Tiny 2-4 pound decorative pumpkin with powdery blue-grey skin and a flat round shape.
– Knuckle Head – 10-15 pound pumpkin with sage green and grey mottled skin and unique folded sections on the exterior.
Grey pumpkins provide an alternative neutral backdrop for fall displays. Their ghostly vibe also suits Halloween themes. They also allow for adding color via painting or have an inherently interesting, mottled appearance.
Green
Green is the least common pumpkin color. Unlike orange and white pumpkins, green varieties remain green as they fully ripen. This is because their skin lacks sufficient carotenoids to transition from green to orange. Green pumpkins come in a range of shades, from dark forest green to pale green or green-white combinations. Popular green varieties include:
– Casperita – Mini 2-4 pound pumpkin with pale green and white mottled skin. Round shape.
– Green Ghost – 4-8 pound round green pumpkin perfect for painting and crafting.
– Kakai – Medium-large oblong green pumpkin weighing 10-20 pounds. Has deep green knobby skin.
– Australian Blue – Distinguished by its distinct folded sections/ribs. Mottled sage green and grey color.
– Zebra – Green and white striped exterior. Oblong fruits 8-15 pounds.
– Jarrahdale – Classic blue-grey pumpkin that sometimes displays green mottling/markings.
Green varieties provide a eye-catching addition to traditional orange pumpkins. Their uncommon color makes them prized for fall decor and displays. Lighter green varieties also act as “blank canvases” for painting and crafting.
Conclusion
While orange is the default pumpkin color, white, grey, and green varieties provide unique alternatives. Common orange pumpkins get their bright shade from high carotenoid levels. White pumpkins lack this pigment, giving them their ghostly hue. Grey varieties have thick rinds lacking orange pigment. Green pumpkins retain their green pigment from chlorophyll even when ripe.
The four most common pumpkin colors – orange, white, grey, and green – provide plenty of options for fall activities. Orange remains the pumpkin color icon, with its seasonal associations. But the whimsical and striking colors of white, grey, and green pumpkins can add flair and customization to displays, crafts, and more. Their unique hues expand the possibilities of the classic pumpkin palette.
| Color | Common Varieties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Jack-O-Lantern, Sugar Pie, Connecticut Field, Howden, Baby Bear | Jack-o-lanterns, pies, traditional fall decor |
| White | Lumina, Snowball, Baby Boo, Cotton Candy, White Walnut Squash | Painting, crafts, displays with orange pumpkins |
| Grey | Jarrahdale, Cinderella, Fairytale, Atlantic Giant, Blue Doll, Knuckle Head | Alternative neutral color, Halloween decor |
| Green | Casperita, Green Ghost, Kakai, Australian Blue, Zebra | Eye-catching accents, painting “canvases” |