The Great Pumpkin Guide:

Varieties & Carving Ideas for Fall Fun

As the crisp air rolls in and leaves start to crunch underfoot, there’s no better way to celebrate autumn than with pumpkins. Whether you’re decorating your porch, whipping up seasonal recipes, or planning your next Halloween masterpiece, the pumpkin is your go-to gourd.

But not all pumpkins are created equal. From petite table-top cuties to giant showstoppers, pumpkins come in an array of colors, shapes, and textures. Here’s your guide to pumpkin varieties—and the best ways to carve (or decorate) them.

Pumpkin Varieties You Should Know

1. Sugar Pumpkin (a.k.a. Pie Pumpkin)

Best for: Baking and small carving

These are the sweethearts of the pumpkin world. Small, round, and dense with sweet flesh, sugar pumpkins are ideal for cooking—but they also make charming, manageable carving pumpkins for kids or smaller displays.

2. Jack-O’-Lantern Pumpkin

Best for: Classic carvings

The standard orange pumpkin found in most grocery stores. They’re bred for size and shape, making them perfect for your traditional triangle-eyes-and-toothy-grin jack-o’-lantern.

3. Cinderella Pumpkin (Rouge Vif d’Etampes)

Best for: Elegant décor

Flattened and deeply ribbed with a rich red-orange hue, this French heirloom variety is as whimsical as the fairy tale. Not great for carving, but perfect for stacking on your porch with mums and hay bales.

4. Blue Jarrahdale

Best for: Unique displays and subtle paint designs

With its slate-blue skin and squat shape, the Jarrahdale adds a cool-toned contrast to fall décor. Its tough skin makes carving a challenge, but it’s great for painting or etching.

5. Ghost Pumpkin (Casper or Lumina)

Best for: Glow-in-the-dark effects

These white pumpkins look otherworldly and create striking contrast when carved. Bonus: their pale flesh reflects candlelight beautifully.

6. Warty Goblin & Knucklehead Pumpkins

Best for: Creepy Halloween vibes

Covered in natural bumps and “warts,” these pumpkins practically scream Halloween. You don’t even need to carve them—just add a pair of eyes and call it done.

7. Miniature Pumpkins (Baby Boo, Jack Be Little)

Best for: Table settings and kids’ crafts

Tiny and adorable, these are ideal for painting, stenciling, or using as name cards at your Thanksgiving table.

Creative Carving & Decorating Ideas

Tired of the same ol’ jack-o’-lantern face? Here are some creative ideas to elevate your pumpkin game this fall:

Carving Ideas

1. Silhouette Scenes

Use templates to carve out spooky trees, cats, witches, or haunted houses. These detailed designs are striking when lit from within.

2. 3D Layered Carvings

Instead of cutting all the way through, try shaving just the skin to create a glowing, layered look. This technique is great for faces, animals, or ornate patterns.

3. Pumpkin-on-Pumpkin Stacking

Stack two or three carved pumpkins to create a totem pole of Halloween characters—ghosts, monsters, or even a pumpkin snowman.

4. Wordplay Pumpkins

Carve clever phrases like “BOO,” “EEK,” or “TRICK OR TREAT.” Or get punny: “GOURD TIMES” or “SQUASH GOALS.”

Decorating Without the Knife

1. Painted Pumpkins

Paint pumpkins in metallics, chalky pastels, or Halloween themes. Use stencils for crisp designs, or go freestyle with stripes, polka dots, or spooky faces.

2. Decoupage & Fabric Wraps

Use tissue paper, lace, or napkins to decoupage patterns onto your pumpkin. For a rustic look, wrap in burlap or cheesecloth.

3. Drilled Designs

Use a power drill to create precise dot patterns, stars, or constellation-inspired designs. Safer and quicker than traditional carving.

4. Pumpkin Vases & Planters

Cut the top off a pumpkin and hollow it out to use as a vase for fall flowers—or fill with succulents for a modern twist.

Final Tips for Pumpkin Success

Preserve your carving: Rub petroleum jelly on cut edges to slow down drying and decay.

Light it up: LED tea lights are safer than candles and last longer.

Think beyond orange: Mix in white, green, and blue varieties for a more sophisticated palette.

No matter your style—spooky, stylish, or silly—there’s a pumpkin (or five) waiting for you to make it your own. So hit the patch, grab your tools, and let your imagination run wild. Fall only comes once a year—make it gourd-geous.