The meaning behind a purple pumpkin can vary depending on the context. In recent years, painted or naturally purple pumpkins have become a popular fall decoration and symbol. Understanding the different symbolic associations with purple pumpkins can help shed light on their growing popularity.
The History of Purple Pumpkins
Pumpkins come in a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, white, grey, red, and even blue. However, orange pumpkins are by far the most common. The familiar round, orange pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbita pepo species. This type of pumpkin has a tough rind that turns orange when the pumpkin reaches maturity.
Natural mutants and cross-pollination can occasionally produce pumpkins in less common colors like purple. These quirks of nature likely happened occasionally throughout history. However, purple pumpkins remained extremely rare until recent decades.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that dedicated pumpkin breeders started working to develop more reliable purple pumpkin varieties. Breeders like Rupp Seeds and High Mowing Organic Seeds crossed heirloom varieties like the blue-green Jarrahdale and the French Rouge Vif D’Etampes. This resulted in dark purple pumpkins that maintain the typical pumpkin shape.
The Rise of Painted Purple Pumpkins
In the early 2000s, painted and artificially colored purple pumpkins started gaining popularity as Halloween decorations. Spray paints, acrylic paints, and food-safe dyes allow people to transform regular orange pumpkins into purple ones.
The vibrant, unusual color makes these decorated purple pumpkins stand out in fall displays. Painted pumpkins also allow more creative freedom compared to natural purple varieties. Designs like polka dots, stripes, and gradients gained popularity.
Purple Pumpkins for Autism Awareness
One of the biggest reasons purple pumpkins increased in popularity is their use promoting autism awareness. In 2012, a mother in New Jersey started the Purple Pumpkin Project to spread autism awareness. She used purple pumpkins to help promote acceptance and inclusion within her community.
The concept quickly caught on, and more communities, schools, and organizations participated each year. Large retailers like Walmart also started selling purple pumpkins to benefit autism charities. The vibrant purple color helps grab attention and provides a visual symbol for autism advocacy.
Using Purple Pumpkins as Indictors
Beyond creating displays, many homeowners now use purple pumpkins as indicators:
| Purple Pumpkin Use | Meaning |
| On a doorstep | A neurodiverse person lives here |
| On a porch | Neurodiverse children may come trick-or-treating here |
| At businesses | This is an autism-friendly environment |
The vibrant color allows the pumpkins to subtly signify acceptance to children and families without having to overtly announce a disability. This helps promote inclusion.
The Appeal of Purple Pumpkin Decorations
Beyond their symbolic meanings, purple pumpkins also appeal to decorators simply seeking something unique. The bright purple stands out against other fall colors like orange, red, and yellow. It provides an eye-catching accent.
The bold color also fits in with the playful, whimsical spirit of Halloween decorations. Painting faces and patterns on the purple pumpkins only adds to the fun. Many decorators also enjoy combining purple pumpkins with traditional orange pumpkins for a complementary color scheme.
Growing Your Own Purple Pumpkins
Thanks to years of selective breeding, it’s now relatively easy for home gardeners to grow natural purple pumpkins. Some reputable purple pumpkin seeds to look for include:
| Purple Pumpkin Variety | Description |
| Fairytale | Deep purple and flattened shape, weighing around 3-5 lbs |
| Jarrahdale | Blue-green with deep ribs, weighing 15-20 lbs |
| Smoothie | Flat shape with bright purple skin, weighing 4-6 lbs |
| Blue Doll | Vibrant purple and round, weighing 4-5 lbs |
These varieties need to be planted at the proper time for your climate. Provide plenty of sunlight and space for the sprawling vines. A nutrient-rich soil with compost or manure will help ensure a healthy crop. Water regularly and protect the pumpkins from pests and frost.
Cooking with Purple Pumpkins
Purple pumpkins offer more than just decorative appeal. They can also be used for cooking, adding bright purple flair to soups, baked goods, and other recipes. Their flesh ranges from orange to a light yellow, keeping the familiar pumpkin flavor.
However, some purple varieties have thinner walls and less stringy fibers than carving pumpkins. Certain types like Fairytale have a nuttier, richer flavor. So cooking pumpkins like Sugar Pie may still be best for kitchen use.
Popular ways to cook with purple pumpkin flesh include:
| Purple Pumpkin Recipe | Ingredients/Steps |
| Pumpkin soup | Sauté onion, add broth and pumpkin puree, blend and season. |
| Pumpkin ravioli | Mix pumpkin puree into pasta dough, stuff with ricotta, sage, and nutmeg. |
| Pumpkin baked oatmeal | Add pumpkin puree and spices to oatmeal before baking. |
| Pumpkin bread or muffins | Mix pumpkin puree into bread or muffin batter before baking. |
The purple hue makes these dishes much more eye-catching. Choose pumpkins with the sweetest flesh for the best flavor.
Storing Fresh Purple Pumpkins
To maintain their freshness after harvest, purple pumpkins need proper storage. Follow these tips:
– Leave 4-6 inches of stem attached and handle by the stem to prevent rotting.
– Disinfect the skin with a dilute bleach solution to kill any bacteria.
– Store whole pumpkins in a cool, dry place around 50-60°F.
– Use within 2-3 months for the best quality. The rind will gradually harden.
– Cook and puree flesh right away, then freeze in portions for later use.
Proper curing and storage will help purple pumpkins keep their signature color and last for months.
Conclusion
While purple pumpkins were once only occasional oddities, selective breeding and painting innovations have now made them commonplace. Their bright color, symbolic meanings, and decorative appeal help explain the rising popularity of purple pumpkins over the past two decades.
Whether naturally grown or painted, purple pumpkins stand out and grab attention. They provide fun, vibrant decoration for the fall and Halloween season. Their use in autism advocacy has especially helped purple pumpkins gain significance. Beyond decor, purple-fleshed pumpkins also create stunning dishes to brighten up holiday meals and baked goods.
So if you come across a purple pumpkin this autumn, take a moment to appreciate the unusual color. It likely holds deeper meaning than just a standard orange pumpkin. The uniqueness of purple pumpkins makes them a highlight of the entire fall season.
