Heat brings early pumpkin season in Southern Illinois

ALTO PASS, Ill. (KBSI) –Despite temperatures climbing into the 90s in the middle of September, fall is already making an early appearance at a Southern Illinois orchard.

Rendleman Orchards has started transitioning from its summer crops to fall favorites, including pumpkins and apples.

Michelle Sirles, Vice President of Rendleman Orchards and a fifth-generation member of the family business, said the prolonged heat has helped move the pumpkin season along faster than usual.

“We’ve made the transition from summer into fall a bit earlier,” Sirles said.

Sirles said the orchard has seen healthy pumpkin plants, strong vines and large leaves this which help shade the pumpkins. She said the heat has also helped pumpkins develop their color sooner, allowing some to be ready for customers earlier than expected.

“We’ve even had people bringing in pumpkins from the patch on Labor Day,” Sirles said.

The early crop is extending the fall season for the orchard, which relies heavily on seasonal traffic.

Sirles said this is the earliest the orchard has ever had pumpkins ready to be picked.

The orchard is already offering fall activities and produce, including pumpkin picking and apples, as families begin making their seasonal visits.

For farmers and pumpkin growers, Sirles said the extended fall season can provide an important boost heading into the holidays.

“Fall is so helpful to pumpkin growers and farms that depend on fall,” she said. “Fall is our Christmas.”

In addition to pumpkins and many different items on the orchard there’s rich history, multiple flower options, a market and so much more.

For more information: Rendleman Orchards | Southern Illinois | Midwest Family-Owned Orchard