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Originally published: 2012 | Last updated: 06-13-25 – This article has been refreshed with new pumpkin color varieties, updated decorating ideas, and enhanced descriptions to reflect the expanding palette of pumpkins beyond orange.
Pumpkins in Every Hue: Spinning the Color Wheel of Fall
When autumn rolls in and the air turns crisp, we often picture pumpkins in their classic, glowing orange—round, cheerful symbols of the season. But nature, never one to stick to a single shade, offers pumpkins in a palette as varied and vibrant as fall itself. From ghostly whites to dusky blues, earthy browns to storybook reds, today’s pumpkins are more colorful than ever—and a delight for those who love decorating with color.
White Pumpkins: Crisp, Classic, and a Little Bit Creepy
Once a rare find at local farmers markets, white pumpkins like Lumina and Baby Boo have become fall decor favorites. Their naturally pale skin and creamy flesh lend them a clean, elegant look by day—and an eerie, otherworldly glow when lit from within.
Larger Luminas make ideal canvases for carving, while tiny Baby Boos are charming as tabletop accents or scattered down the center of a fall tablescape. Decorators love their versatility: crisp and modern with sterling silver, organic and rustic with mums and gourds, or hauntingly beautiful as minimalist Halloween décor.
Blue Pumpkins: A Cool Contrast to Autumn’s Warmth
Of all the pumpkin colors that break from tradition, blue may be the most surprising—and the most stunning. Ranging from soft slate to deep steely hues, blue pumpkins like Jarrahdale (also known as Australian Blue) and Blue Max bring moody sophistication to your autumn display.
Their cool tones pair beautifully with orange varieties, creating a complementary color harmony that turns heads. Whether stacked in a porch vignette or tucked into a centerpiece, blue pumpkins make a bold yet tasteful statement.
Red Pumpkins: Blushing Beauties with Fairy-Tale Flair
While red pumpkins aren’t quite as unexpected as blue or white, they’re no less captivating. Take the Rouge Vif d’Estampes, the fabled French heirloom said to have inspired Cinderella’s magical carriage. With its deeply ribbed, flattened shape and vibrant red-to-orange tones, this variety adds storybook charm to your fall décor.
The Lal bhopla, a lumpy, richly red Indian variety, offers even more visual interest. Its textured skin makes it a perfect companion to smooth white or classic orange pumpkins, creating a display full of depth and dimension.
Brown Pumpkins: Earthy Elegance and Texture Galore
For those who appreciate the more grounded side of the season, brown pumpkins bring warmth, richness, and a tactile beauty. The Musquée de Provence, a velvety French heirloom, ripens from green to a luxurious brown with hints of bronze and deep orange flesh—equally beloved by chefs and stylists alike.
If texture is what you crave, look no further than the Galeux d’Eysines, whose name fittingly translates to “embroidered with warts from Eysines.” Its distinctive, blistered surface adds rustic charm and an old-world feel to any fall display.
Color Outside the Patch
With such a spectacular range of hues, today’s pumpkins offer so much more than spooky faces and front-porch flair. Whether you lean toward the ethereal whites, moody blues, fairytale reds, or earthy browns, there’s a pumpkin that suits your personal palette.
This fall, go beyond the traditional. Mix, match, and layer pumpkin colors to reflect your style and celebrate the season in all its sensational color.
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Which Pumpkin Color is Your Favorite?
Bright pumpkin orange will always be the iconic color. With so many other gorgeous colors available today, it may be challenging to choose a favorite. Which color or colors do you like best? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
