KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Tennessee pumpkins will be smaller and more expensive this year, but the crop should meet the demand for jack-o-lanterns, a University of Tennessee agricultural economist said Tuesday.
Dr. Bob Jenkins of the UT Agricultural Extension Service said a wet spring and dry summer combined to reduce the number of pumpkins and their size.
“We will have fewer pumpkins and smaller pumpkins, but no shortage that might keep someone from having a jack-o-lantern,” Jenkins said.
Wholesale prices for pumpkins should be in the range of 10 to 12 cents per pound, with retail prices 25 to 50 percent higher, Jenkins said.
Pumpkin prices at wholesale last year started at about eight cents per pound, but dropped to four cents as Halloween approached, Jenkins said.
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Contact: Dr. Bob Jenkins (423-974-7271)