Inflation Affecting 2022 Pumpkin Prices In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — It doesn’t feel quite like fall until those perfect orange pumpkins picked from the best patch or field in Tampa appear on neighborhood porches and steps.

This year, however, it could cost a little extra to bring that quintessential piece of autumn home.
As the holidays draw near, inflation and rising costs are top of mind for many residents of Tampa.

As many families cut back on unnecessary spending, Halloween and fall decorating will likely be no exception.

The average price of a pumpkin nationally has fluctuated a bit over the past four Halloween seasons, numbers from the market research company Statista show. Last year, 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.

See related story: Pumpkin Patches Near Tampa

Could pumpkin prices reach $5 apiece in 2022? It’s unclear. Pumpkin prices often change in the weeks leading up to Halloween. However, a pumpkin is usually 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.

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.

Luckily, pumpkins of all sizes can be found in numerous big-box stores and community farmers markets across the country. Sorting pumpkins by the bin is a more common practice among smaller pumpkin sellers.

Here are some nearby pumpkin patches to check out:

• Tampa Bay Farmers Market, 10001 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, hosts a pumpkin patch each year. It's open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Kerby’s Nursery Pumpkin Patch in Seffner, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, offers a variety of pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and mums. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. It is located near Pottery Barn at Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Snow Circle, Tampa, and is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. through Oct. 26.
• Watermelon Swim’s Annual Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch at 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway and 3703 W. McKay Ave. in Tampa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
• Bearss Groves in Tampa, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Carrollwood, featuring Florida's largest pumpkin, weighing 969 pounds, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Brandon, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon is hosting its annual pumpkin patch to raise funds for the church's youth ministry Monday through Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot, 106 E. Lumsden Road, Brandon, is open through Oct. 31 Monday through Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to pumpkins, it offers stacked hay bales, gourds, corn stalks and garden mums.
• The Seminole Heights Great Pumpkin Patch will be open at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N Central Ave., Tampa, through Oct. 30. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. This fundraiser benefits the Hampton Terrace Community Association and Seminole Heights UMC, 501c3 nonprofit charitable organizations.