Don’t Toss Those Stems! My Secrets for How to Dry Pumpkin Stems

I love when pumpkin season rolls around—honestly, I know I’m obsessed with pumpkins! My friends kindly refer to me as the Pumpkin Queen, and I’ve been teaching my grandchildren how to hunt for loose pumpkin stems at the pumpkin farm for years. There’s something magical about all the colors, textures, and shapes that fill the garden and the markets this time of the year.

A woman and a young girl smile and pose together at a pumpkin patch with pumpkins, drying pumpkin stems, and a blue bag in the background. The ground is covered with mulch, and the girl wears a green outfit with a bow in her hair.

Before you get rid of your pumpkins or use them to cook with, let’s remove those stems! I’ve been saving and drying pumpkin stems for years, and it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding fall crafts you can do.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

don’t toss those stems! I’ve been saving and drying pumpkin stems for years, and it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding fall crafts you can do.

  • A large, ribbed, light orange pumpkin grows on the ground among green leaves and vines in a garden.
  • A small, green pumpkin with light speckles grows on a vine in garden soil, surrounded by green leaves and yellow flowers.
  • An orange pumpkin for Pumpkin Crafts grows on the ground among green leaves and vines, partially covered by foliage and surrounded by dry, brown plant matter.

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Dried pumpkin stems add such a natural, rustic touch to your home decor and DIY pumpkin projects. They’re eco-friendly, sustainable, and the perfect way to make the most of your harvest. Once dried, these charming little stems can be reused year after year—on fabric pumpkins, sweater pumpkins, or even to replace the tops on your faux pumpkins for a more realistic look.

Let’s dive into how to dry and save pumpkin stems the easy way!

Supplies you will need

  • Assortment of pumpkins
  • 1 Serrated knife
  • Parchment paper or tray
  • Mod Podge sealer spray

Why Save Pumpkin Stems?

There’s something so special about real pumpkin stems—their twists, textures, and the way each one tells its own story from the pumpkin patch. I love how they vary in shape and color, from soft greens to deep browns, and how no two are ever the same. When dried, these stems become beautiful little keepsakes that can be used for years to come.

Four dried, elongated mushroom stems with ribbed textures are arranged parallel on a rustic wooden surface. The stems vary in color from pale beige to dark brown and have slightly curved, irregular shapes.
Dried persimmon calyxes arranged randomly on a wooden surface, showing their unique twisted stems and textured caps.
Four dried, curved seed pods of varying sizes are arranged in a row on a wooden surface. The pods have textured, ridged surfaces and are light brown in color.

Using dried pumpkin stems in your crafts adds that authentic, organic touch that faux versions just can’t match. They bring life and texture to projects like fabric pumpkins, velvet pumpkins, or even small faux pumpkins that could use a more realistic finish. Plus, saving them is such an easy way to make the most of your harvest while keeping your fall decor sustainable and budget-friendly.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

I’ve even been known to dig through the big pumpkin bins at the grocery store in search of broken stems. Of course, I always ask the manager first, but you’d be amazed at the treasures you can find tucked among those pumpkins!

A clear plastic container filled with dried okra pieces, showing their ridged, brownish exterior and rough, textured surfaces.
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How to Dry Pumpkin Stems

In this post, I’ll show you how to dry pumpkin stems the easy, natural way and share a few clever spots to find loose stems you can use for future DIYs.

Equipment

  • 1 Serrated knife

Materials

  • Leftover pumpkins
  • Paper towels or parchment paper
  • A flat drying surface like a tray or piece of cardboard
  • Optional: disposable gloves stems can be prickly!
  • Optional: matte sealer spray or Mod Podge for preservation

Instructions

  • Cut stems from firm, healthy pumpkins — avoid soft or moldy ones.
  • Use a knife to cut around the base (don’t twist off).
  • Gently brush away dirt; do not wash with water.
  • Place stems on parchment paper or cardboard in a single layer.
  • Let them air-dry in a warm, dry place for 2–4 weeks.
  • Turn stems every few days for even drying.
  • Optional: speed up the process in a 200°F oven for 2–3 hours, checking often.
  • When stems feel hard and woody, they’re fully dry.
  • (Optional) Lightly coat with matte or glossy sealer or Mod Podge to preserve.
  • Store in a paper bag or box in a cool, dry spot until ready to craft.

Shop Supplies

A bright orange pumpkin with a long stem and some roots attached sits on a wooden surface in front of green metal shelves holding pots and plants.
Four pumpkins sit on a wooden surface: one large white pumpkin, one small orange and white striped pumpkin, and two miniature white pumpkins, with glass jars and more pumpkins in the background.

How to Remove Pumpkin Stems Safely

When it’s time to collect your stems, start with firm, healthy pumpkins. Avoid any that are soft, mushy, or showing signs of mold.

Step 1: Removing the Stems

  • Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to cut around the base of the stem—never twist it off, as that can cause it to break.
  • Leave a small bit of pumpkin flesh attached to the base. It helps the stem dry more evenly and adds character.
  • Gently wipe away any dirt or debris using a dry paper towel.
  • Skip washing them with water, which can introduce moisture and lead to mold.
A pale white pumpkin sits on a wooden table with a black-handled knife stuck into its top. Decorative items, including another pumpkin and glass jars, are visible in the blurred background.
Close-up of a pumpkin showing its orange skin and rough, textured stem, with the surrounding surface in soft focus.
A hand holds a small broom made from pumpkin stem, seeds, and raffia, resting on a wooden surface next to a partially visible pumpkin.
A close-up of a dried plant stem with twisted tendrils, lying on a weathered brown wooden surface. The stem has a textured, striped appearance and curves gently upward.
Tip from wendy’s craft room:

I keep a small box in my She Shed labeled “Pumpkin Stems,” and it’s come in handy more times than I can count! They last for years and are always ready for my next round of fall crafts.

Step 2: How to Dry Pumpkin Stems Naturally

If you love a more natural approach, air drying is the best way to preserve your stems. It takes a little time, but the results are worth it.

  • Place your stems in a single layer on parchment paper, cardboard, or a baking sheet.
  • Choose a warm, dry location with good airflow—your garage, craft room, or She Shed works perfectly.
  • Rotate the stems every few days to help them dry evenly.
  • Allow them to dry for 2–4 weeks, depending on the humidity level.
  • You’ll know they’re ready when they feel lightweight, hard, and slightly woody.
A single, curved, dried zucchini stem with ridged, striped texture lies on a worn wooden surface.
Curved, dried okra pods with striped, textured surfaces spread out on a wooden surface.
Tip from wendy’s craft room:

If your area is humid, set a small fan nearby to keep the air circulating and prevent mold from forming.

Faster Drying Options

If you’re short on time or just eager to get crafting (I’ve been there!), you can speed up the drying process.

Oven Method:

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the pumpkin stems in a single layer and bake at the lowest possible temperature—around 200°F—for 2–3 hours.
  • Check often to make sure they don’t over-dry or darken too much.
  • Allow them to cool completely before handling.

The quick oven method works great when you’re short on time, but naturally dried stems often keep a bit more of their rustic green tones and natural shape. I like to do both—some for immediate use, and others I dry the slow way for future projects.

Dehydrator Method:

  • Set your dehydrator to about 110°F.
  • Arrange the stems evenly and dry for 8–12 hours, or until completely hard and dry.

Both of these methods work beautifully when you want to prepare dried pumpkin stems quickly for fall crafts or home decor projects.

Optional: Sealing and Storing Dried Pumpkin Stems

Once your stems are completely dry, you can preserve them with a light coat of matte sealer spray or Mod Podge. This step helps protect them from moisture and keeps them looking beautiful for years to come.

  • Lay the stems on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Lightly spray or brush each one with a thin coat of sealer.
  • Let them dry overnight.
  • Store your dried pumpkin stems in a paper bag or cardboard box, somewhere cool and dry.

Avoid plastic bags or containers—they trap moisture and can cause mold over time.

A bundle of antler pieces bound with tape lies next to a can of Mod Podge Gloss Clear Acrylic Sealer on a brown surface.
Close-up of dry pumpkin stems, revealing rough textures and layers of brown, beige, and tan. The fibrous stems are tangled and loosely piled together—ideal for unique pumpkin stem crafts.

Creative Ways to Use Dried Pumpkin Stems

Now comes the fun part! Once your stems are fully dry, there are so many ways to use them in your seasonal projects and home decor.

  • A pale pumpkin sits among dried leaves, berries, and twigs, with a rustic metal container behind it, creating an autumn-themed arrangement against a weathered wooden background.
  • Three knit fabric pumpkins with felt leaves and wooden stems sit next to a white real pumpkin on a rustic wooden surface, surrounded by potted plants and autumn decor.
  • Terra cotta pumpkins on a ceramic cake plate
  • A white ceramic bowl filled with autumn-themed decor, featuring a small, pale pumpkin, dried leaves, green foliage, and pinkish flowers.
  • A decorative white fabric pumpkin with textured beads, a tall brown stem, and faux leaves, displayed on a rustic green pedestal in front of a blue paneled wall—perfect inspiration if you’re wondering how to make fabric pumpkins.
  • A cozy autumn display featuring white sweater pumpkins arranged on a wooden slice. In the background, there's a white pitcher filled with greenery and dried hydrangeas.
  • Blue and white pumpkins sitting amongst fresh greenery and persimmons on the Thanksgiving table.
  • Patina Pumpkins

    • Each stem is unique, and that’s what makes your fall crafts so special. They tell a little story—of your garden, your pumpkin patch visits, and all the memories made during pumpkin season.

    flourish

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Drying pumpkin stems is simple, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

    • Don’t dry stems from soft, rotting, or moldy pumpkins.
    • Don’t rush the process—stems need to be completely dry before storing.
    • Don’t use plastic storage containers; paper or cardboard is best.
    • Don’t forget to rotate your stems while drying for even airflow.

    Taking your time with this process ensures your dried pumpkin stems will last beautifully for many seasons.

    A ripe orange pumpkin with a sturdy pumpkin stem grows on a vine amid green leaves and a bright yellow flower, resting on the ground with dry and green foliage—perfect inspiration for pumpkin stem crafts.
    Tip from wendy’s craft room:

    If you are growing your pumpkins, be sure to cut the stem as long as you possibly can.

    Final Dried Pumpkin Stems

    If you dry them naturally they tend to keep their color better.

    Four dried, elongated mushroom stems with ribbed textures are arranged parallel on a rustic wooden surface. The stems vary in color from pale beige to dark brown and have slightly curved, irregular shapes.
    flourish

    Other Pumpkin Tutorials from WM Design House

    If you love this fun project, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite pumpkin posts where I share how to use your dried pumpkin stems.

  • DIY Terra Cotta Pumpkin

    • DIY Terra Cotta Pumpkin Dupe: Pottery Barn Pumpkins

    Click Here
  • A pale pumpkin sits among dried leaves, berries, and twigs, with a rustic metal container behind it, creating an autumn-themed arrangement against a weathered wooden background.

    • 4 Creative Ways to Transform Dollar Tree Pumpkins

    Click Here
  • Three knitted fabric pears with felt leaves and twisted stems sit on a wooden tray. The pears are in beige and light brown tones, creating a cozy, rustic decoration. Dark glass jars and baskets are blurred in the background.

    • The Cutest Little Pears you Ever Did See!

    Click Here
  • A collage of four pumpkin-themed images highlights creative pumpkin crafts: a pumpkin planter with succulents, a white pumpkin with greenery, white pumpkins with lace and a pitcher, and an orange pumpkin watercolor painting on fabric.

    • 23 DIY Pumpkin Crafts and Projects

    Click Here

    Wrapping Up

    Drying pumpkin stems is one of those small, satisfying projects that connects the garden to your craft room—and it’s become one of my favorite fall traditions. It’s easy, inexpensive, and adds such a charming, organic detail to your home decor.

    So next time you’re cleaning up after Halloween or Thanksgiving, don’t toss those pumpkins! Remove the stems, dry them, and tuck them away for your next round of fabric pumpkins or fall crafts. You’ll love having a little collection of dried pumpkin stems ready to go when inspiration strikes.

    If you found this helpful, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a fellow pumpkin lover! You never know who might need a little “Pumpkin” inspiration this fall. 🎃

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    How to dry pumpkinA group of pumpkins with dried pumpkin stems sits on a wooden table. Text on the image reads: "WMDesignHouse.com. How to dry pumpkin stems FAST! Get the quick oven method now!.

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    More about me!

    Wendy

    Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

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    5 Comments

    1. Great post! I’ve always want to preserve some. Thanks for sharing, Wendy!

      Reply

      1. Thank you Kim, they are so fun to use in your fall crafts!

        Reply
    3. Teddee Grace says:

      I went to a commercial pumpkin patch toward the end of the season several years ago, asked permission to walk the field and picked up quite a few pumpkin stems for which I was not charged. I’ve also noticed pumpkin stems for sale online. They make such a difference when used to replace the stems on faux pumpkins.

      Reply

    4. This is such good information. I have wanted to use some pumpkin stems in a few projects, so I will really put this to use. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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