Here is how to make the best pumpkin floral centerpiece for fall.
When you make a purchase using a link on this page, we may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please see About Us.
Looking for the best fall decorating ideas? This post is all about how to make a pumpkin floral arrangement.
For many people, fall is the season of cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and all things pumpkin spice. As soon as the air turns crisp and the first leaves hit the ground, it’s time to bring on fall mode, thinking of new ways to bring that autumn magic right into your home.
And what better way to do that than by making a pumpkin floral arrangement? It’s like the ultimate fall DIY project, combining the one of the season’s most iconic symbols—a pumpkin—with the gorgeous blooms that make this time of year so special.
Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving party, sprucing up your porch for Halloween, or just want to add a little pumpkin flair to your everyday decor, pumpkin floral arrangements are the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Pumpkin floral arrangements are easier to make than your favorite pumpkin bread recipe, and they look like they come out of a fall Cinderella fairytale, adding incredible charm to your fall decorations. All that you need to make a pumpkin floral arrangement is a fresh pumpkin, some carving tools, and a bunch of your favorite flowers and centerpiece fillers.
Ready to create a pumpkin masterpiece that even your favorite pumpkin coffee drinks will envy? Let’s dive into what you need to know to make the best pumpkin floral arrangements for fall.
In This Post:
- What is a Pumpkin Floral Arrangement?
- Ways to Use Pumpkin Floral Arrangements
- What You’ll Need
- How It Works
- How to Choose the Best Pumpkin
- Tips for Preserving the Pumpkin
- The Best Fall Flowers
- Using Artificial Flowers and Pumpkins
- How to Make a Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
What is a Pumpkin Floral Arrangement?
A pumpkin floral arrangement is one of the most unique and stunning ways to decorate for fall. To make a pumpkin floral arrangement, you take a real or artificial pumpkin, hollow it out (if using a real pumpkin), and fill it with a bunch of gorgeous seasonal flowers and greenery.
Think of it like a floral centerpiece, but with a fun, autumn twist! Using a pumpkin as a vase takes the look to the next level. You can use all sorts of fall blooms like sunflowers, mums, and roses, plus add some eucalyptus, wheat, or even little berries for extra color and layers of texture.
A pumpkin floral centerpiece is the perfect way to bring all those cozy, autumn, pumpkin spice vibes into your home, whether you’re decorating for a party, a special occasion, or just because you’re obsessed with all things fall.
Ways to Use Pumpkin Floral Arrangements
There are many fun ways to use a pumpkin floral arrangement to add that perfect pop of fall decor into all your seasonal celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, a cozy fall dinner party, or a Halloween bash, a pumpkin floral centerpiece instantly adds those autumn vibes we all crave.
They’re perfect to use as decorations for rustic fall weddings, Thanksgiving tables, or even fall themed baby and bridal showers.
You can also use a pumpkin floral arrangement to decorate your mantel or porch, celebrate an autumn birthday, or bring a little seasonal joy to your office or classroom.
Basically, any time you want to add a bit of pumpkin spice and everything nice to your decor, a pumpkin floral arrangement is your unique, go to DIY fall decor!
What You’ll Need to Make Pumpkin Floral Arrangments
Here’s a list of all the tools and equipment you’ll need to create a gorgeous pumpkin floral arrangement. With the right tools and equipment, you’ll be all set to create a stunning pumpkin floral arrangement that’s perfect to use as a centerpiece for fall occasions.
- Pumpkin. Pumpkin is the star of the show when it comes to making this fall centerpiece. You’ll need a fresh pumpkin or an artificial pumpkin to serve as the base of your arrangement. Choose a size and color that fits your style and space.
- Floral Foam Blocks (Wet Foam for Fresh Flowers or Dry Foam for Faux Flowers). If you’re using fresh flowers, soak a block of floral foam in water and place it inside the pumpkin. This foam will help keep your flowers hydrated and in place. For artificial flowers, use dry floral foam to secure the stems.
- Floral Shears or Scissors. A good pair of floral shears or sharp scissors is essential for trimming stems to the right length and making clean cuts that won’t crush the stems of fresh flowers.
- Serrated Knife or Pumpkin Carving Tool. You’ll need a serrated knife or a pumpkin carving tool to cut the top off the pumpkin and hollow it out. The serrated edge makes it easier to saw through the pumpkin’s tough skin.
- Spoon or Scoop. A large spoon, ice cream scoop, or pumpkin scooping tool is perfect for scraping out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. This makes the interior nice and clean for placing your floral foam.
- Bleach and Water Solution. Use a bleach and water solution to help preserve your pumpkin and prevent mold. Mix a small amount of bleach with water (about 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water). Use this solution to rinse out the inside of the pumpkin after scooping, to kill bacteria and mold spores.
- Petroleum Jelly. After cleaning the inside of your pumpkin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the cut edges to seal in moisture and slow down the drying and rotting process.
- Floral Tape or Waterproof Tape. Use floral tape to secure your floral foam in place inside the pumpkin. Waterproof tape works best if you need a stronger hold, especially if the foam is wet.
- Floral Picks or Wooden Skewers. Floral picks (or wooden skewers) help secure heavier or larger flowers and greenery in place, especially if you’re using artificial blooms or want to add height.
- Water Mister or Spray Bottle. Keep a small spray bottle on hand to lightly mist the fresh flowers every day. This will help keep them hydrated and fresh longer. You can also spray the flowers while you’re using the floral arrangement during an event, to help maintain a fresh appearance.
- Green Floral Wire. Use green floral wire to attach delicate flowers or greenery that might need a little extra support, use green floral wire. It blends in seamlessly with the stems and foliage.
- Cutting Board or Cutting Mat. Use a cutting board or cutting mat to cut the floral foam and any other materials to size without damaging surfaces.
- Apron or Protective Clothing. Pumpkin carving and flower arranging can get messy, so an apron or some old clothes can help keep you clean!
- Trash Bag or Plastic Cover. Place a trash bag or plastic cover on your workspace to catch any mess from scooping out the pumpkin or cutting flowers.
- Hot Glue Gun (for Artificial Floral Arrangements). If you’re using artificial flowers, a hot glue gun is handy for securing flowers, leaves, or decorative elements to the foam or pumpkin.
- Decorative Elements. Think of things like twine, ribbon, mini pumpkins, or berries—anything extra you want to add to give your arrangement that extra bit of fall flair.
How It Works: Making a Pumpkin Floral Centerpiece
Making a pumpkin floral arrangement is pretty simple. First, carve out the stem of a pumpkin and remove the seeds and pumpkin. Clean the inside of the pumpkin with a bleach solution to help preserve it, and seal the cut edges with petroleum jelly.
Choose a vase or jar that is small enough to fit inside the pumpkin, but large enough to hold the floral arrangement.
For a more organic feel, you can place the floral arrangement directly inside the pumpkin, but it may not last as long as a floral arrangement that is placed inside a vase.
Floral foam can be used both to help keep the arrangement in place and to keep the flowers and greenery moist. Trim the foam to size to fit inside the pumpkin or vase.
Arrange your favorite fall flowers and greenery. Trim the stems to fit the arrangement inside the vase.
Place the flowers and greenery inside the vase, and then fit the vase into the pumpkin. Use small and large blooms to create interest. Place leaves and other greenery around the edge or throughout the floral arrangement to balance the look.
How to Choose the Best Pumpkin
Choosing the perfect pumpkin is the first step in creating your fall floral masterpiece. Look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom so it sits nice and steady—you don’t want your gorgeous arrangement tipping over.
If using a fresh pumpkin, look for a pumpkin with a fresh appearance and no signs of blemishes. The pumpkin should look and smell like it was freshly picked from the pumpkin patch
Medium sized pumpkins are usually the best because they give you enough space to work with, but they aren’t too heavy to move around. You can trim the flowers and greenery stems to fit the size of the pumpkin.
Make sure the pumpkin is firm, with no soft spots or cracks—a healthy, solid pumpkin will last longer and keep your arrangement looking fresh.
And don’t be afraid to play with different colors and shapes. White, pale green, and bluish gray pumpkins, or even warty pumpkins can add some serious charm and personality to your fall decor.
Basically, pick a pumpkin that looks sturdy, fresh, and makes you feel all those cozy autumn vibes! A smaller pumpkin can be easier to work with.
Tips for Preserving the Pumpkin
Keeping your pumpkin floral arrangement looking fresh and fabulous for the occasion is definitely a top priority. Here are some tips to help you preserve the pumpkin and flowers.
1—Give the pumpkin a bleach bath.
Before you start arranging, give the inside of your pumpkin a bleach bath to help preserve it. Mix one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water and swish it around inside the pumpkin or use a spray bottle to coat the inside. This helps to kills off bacteria and mold that can make your pumpkin rot faster.
2—Seal the pumpkin.
After applying the bleach treatment, dry the inside of the pumpkin well and brush on a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil around the cut edges of the pumpkin . This helps seal in moisture and slows down the drying out process, keeping your pumpkin looking fresh for longer!
3—Keep the pumpkin floral arrangement cool.
Keep the pumpkin floral arrangement in a cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, or fireplaces. Pumpkins prefer a little chill to help keep them looking their best!
4–Use floral foam.
Soak floral foam in water and place it inside the vase to keep your flowers hydrated. Floral foam gives them a steady water supply and helps hold your arrangement in place. Just remember to add a little water to the foam daily so your blooms stay happy!
5—Mist, mist, mist.
Give your flowers a light misting with water every day to keep them looking fresh and perky. Just be careful not to soak the pumpkin, as too much moisture can cause it to break down faster.
6—Choose long lasting flowers.
Pick hardy flowers that naturally last longer, like mums, sunflowers, and roses. These types tend to stay fresh for days, especially with a little daily care. Place the flowers inside a vase, and then fit the vase inside the pumpkin. Keep the flowers watered and misted to help them last longer.
7—Refrigerate it overnight.
If possible, keep your arrangement in the fridge or in a cool garage overnight to extend its life. Cooler temperatures help to slow down the wilting process, making everything last longer.
By following these tips, you can keep your pumpkin floral arrangement looking gorgeous for up a few days or even longer. Cheers to enjoying those cozy and beautiful fall vibes as long as possible.
The Best Fall Flowers
Picking the right fall flowers and green is key to nailing the perfect fall aesthetic when making a pumpkin floral arrangement. Here are some fall flowers and greenery to consider using for making a fall pumpkin floral arrangement.
Flowers:
- Asters
Calla Lilies - Chrysanthemums (Mums)
- Dahlias
- Daisies
- Marigolds
- Roses
- Rudbeckia
- Sedum
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
Greenery
- Dusty Miller
- Eucalyptus
- Fern Fronds
- Hypericum Berries
- Magnolia Leaves
- Maple Leaves
- Oak Leaves
- Rosemary Sprigs
- Wheat Stalks
Some Tips for Combining Flowers and Greenery:
Here are some tips on how to combine fall flowers and greenery to make the best pumpkin floral arrangements at home.
- Mix different sizes and textures. Combine big, bold flowers (like sunflowers or dahlias) with smaller, delicate blooms (like asters or marigolds) and greenery for a dynamic look. Eye catching plants like Dusty Miller add texture and interest to fall floral arrangements.
- Play with height and depth. Use taller flowers or greenery (like snapdragons or wheat) in the center and shorter ones around the edges to create dimension.
- Choose a fall color palette. Stick to a few complementary colors – like deep reds, oranges, yellows, and greens – to create a cohesive, eye-catching arrangement.
Mix and match these flowers and greenery to create a pumpkin arrangement that’s as unique and fabulous as fall itself.
Using Artificial Flowers and Pumpkins
While using a real pumpkin and fresh flowers can add a dreamy look to a home, going the artificial route has some major advantages, too.
First, artificial pumpkins and flowers last longer. You can use them all season long or even year after year, which means less mess and no rotting pumpkin to deal with.
Plus, artificial pumpkins and artificial flowers are super low maintenance. You don’t have to watering or worrying about flowers wilting. And if you have allergies, using artificial flowers can be a way to enjoy the beauty of flowers without the sneezing.
And let’s be real, they’re perfect for people who love decorating but don’t have time for the upkeep.
You can find many cute faux pumpkins and flowers that look almost real—in almost any color you want—so you can get super creative and match them perfectly to your fall vibe.
The best part? You can pull artificial pumpkins and flowers out to use again next year, and they’ll still look just as fab!
How to Make a Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
Let’s get into the ultimate fall craft: making a pumpkin flower arrangement! This is perfect for spicing up your space with cozy autumn vibes.
Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
Materials
- 1 fresh pumpkin medium sized is ideal, but you can also use a large pumpkin
- 1 Tbsp bleach
- 4 cups water
- petroleum jelly
- 1 bunch fall flowers of your choice like sunflowers, mums, dahlias, or roses
- 1 bunch mixed greenery like eucalyptus stems, Dusty Miller, or rosemary sprigs
- 1 block floral foam or a small vase/jar that can fit inside the pumpkin
- sharp knife or pumpkin carving tool
- spoon or scoop to remove the pumpkin seeds and pulp
- 1 pair florists’ scissors or garden shears
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the pumpkin with soap and warm water to remove any dust and grit. Dry off the pumpkin.
- Draw a circle around the top of the pumpkin to mark where you’ll cut the opening for the vase or the foam.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin. Make sure the opening is wide enough for your vase or foam to fit through. Scoop out all the pumpkin seeds and pulp.
- Mix one tablespoon of bleach with 4 cups of water. Add the solution to a spray bottle, and use it to spray the inside of the pumpkin to help kill mold and bacteria. Rub the cut edges of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly to seal.
- If using a flower vase: Chose a vase that will fit inside the pumpkin, and not be visible outside the pumpkin. A small flower vase or mason jar are just two examples. If using floral foam: Trim the floral foam to a size that will fit inside the pumpkin.
- If you’re using wet floral foam (for fresh flowers), soak it in water first so that it’s nice and hydrated, before placing it in the pumpkin. Cut it to fit snugly inside the pumpkin. If you’re using a vase or jar, fill it with water and place it inside the pumpkin.
- Trim the Flowers. Cut the flower and greenery stems to varying lengths for a more natural, layered look. On fresh flowers and greenery, remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline—this helps to prevent them from rotting.
- Next, arrange the flower stems. Start by arranging the bigger flowers—like sunflowers or dahlias, placing them evenly around the pumpkin. Fill in the gaps with smaller blooms like mums or roses.
- Add your greenery or accents like eucalyptus, wheat stalks, berry stems, or fall leaves, around the edges of the flower arrangement for a full, lush effect.
- Place your pumpkin arrangement as a centerpiece on your dining table, entryway, or anywhere that could use a fall centerpiece for decoration.
Notes
Looking for more of the best fall decorating and fall season ideas?
- 15 Amazing Couples Costume Ideas | The Best Costume Ideas for Couples
- The Best Trio Halloween Costumes | Easy DIY Costume Ideas
Credits
- Featured photos by pixelshot via Canva.com
- Photos and images are for illustration purposes only.