Pumpkin Prices Near Del Ray: What To Expect In 2022

ALEXANDRIA, VA — It doesn’t feel quite like fall until those perfect orange pumpkins picked from the best patch near Del Ray 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 Del Ray. 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.

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.

In Alexandria, residents can buy a pumpkin while supporting charity with prices starting at $1. Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill's Pumpkin Patch in October offers a wide variety of pumpkins grown by Navajo farmers. All proceeds benefit over 25 charities supporting food, housing, education and more for people in need. A few examples of local charities supported are Carpenter's Shelter, ALIVE!, Christ Church/West End Lazarus Ministry, Grace Church Food Pantry, Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services and more.

The location is 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays.

Here are other pumpkin patches to check out near Del Ray:

• Greenstreet Gardens: Stop by the garden center's pumpkin patch during the fall season.
• Nalls Produce Pumpkin Hill, Franconia: Pumpkins and other seasonal products are sold, and the Pumpkin Hill attraction is open in October.
• St. Luke's Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch, Fort Hunt: Opened Oct. 8.
• Meadows Farms, various locations in Northern Virginia: Fall festivals opened Oct. 1
• Meridian High School Robotics Team Pumpkin Sale: Pumpkins are being sold outside Meridian High School in Falls Church to support the Robotics Team. When unattended, the stand operates on an honor system for purchases.
• Burke Nursery's Pumpkin Playground, Burke: Opened on Oct. 1.
• Cox Farms, Centreville: Fall Festival and Festival Market opened Sept. 17.
• Reston Farm Garden Market's Fall Fest, Reston: Opened Sept. 24 on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30.
• DePaul's Urban Farm, Vienna: Pumpkins and other fall products are now available.