Lake Elsinore Pumpkin Prices In 2022: Are They Affected By Inflation?

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Fall is here! And with the recent rain and gloomy mornings, nothing makes it feel like the season like placing perfect orange pumpkins from the best patch in Lake Elsinore on your doorstep.

In 2022, however, it may cost a little bit more to bring that quintessential piece of autumn home. As the holidays draw near, rising costs of groceries and gas may supersede adding more holiday decorations for families cutting back on unnecessary spending.

Are pumpkins more pricey this year?

The average price of a pumpkin nationally has fluctuated a bit over the past four Halloween seasons, numbers from the market research company Statista shows. In 2021, pumpkins sold for an average of $4.83 apiece, up from $4.18 in 2020 and $4.04 in 2019. In 2018, pumpkins were a steal at $3.89 apiece.

Pumpkin prices at retailers in California vary, with some charging over $5 apiece this year. And if you’re looking for an extra large gourd, expect to pay upwards of $15.

Among the cheapest prices of major stores selling pumpkins in the Golden State: Trader Joe’s. The neighborhood grocery store is offering them this year for a price between $3.99 and $4.49, depending on the location, according to company representatives.

Patch spotted carving pumpkins for sale at a Southern California Target location for $5.99. Again, prices may vary by location.

More major retailers are selling pumpkins, like Walmart and Home Depot. Patch saw prices there ranging from $3.98 to $15.98.

Grocery stores, like Stater Brothers, Albertson’s and Ralph’s also sell pumpkins. Patch spotted some for sale for $5 each.

Something to keep in mind as you head out to get your 2022 pumpkins: prices tends to be higher at the pumpkin patches. (It’s all about the experience, right?) At Peltzer Pumpkin Farm in Temecula, families can purchase a Pumpkin Pass giving access to all of the fall festival activities as well as discounts for about $50. Members of the Crush Club at Peltzer Winery also get complimentary access to the pumpkin patch and most fair activities. So it goes at pumpkin patches across Riverside County.

At many places– especially the U-pick patches— pumpkins are purchased by the pound. The average price per pound is $1.38 for consumers, according to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That means a 10- or 14-pound pumpkin could cost from $14 to $20 apiece.

Savvy buyers may get a deal on pumpkin prices, which often drop right before or on Halloween.

About 44 percent of the American population carved pumpkins during the 2021 Halloween season, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s about 145 million people, slightly less than 2020 when 151 million participated in the fall tradition.

Have YOU spotted a great deal on pumpkins in Temecula? Let us know where in the comments below!