Squash - Sweet Dumpling

Minimum Seed Count: 15

Small in size but packed with flavor! These adorable fruits feature creamy white skin accented by dark green stripes and speckles, making them as attractive as they are delicious. Beneath the colorful rind is sweet, orange flesh with rich flavors reminiscent of sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and corn. Their personal-sized fruits are perfect for stuffing, roasting, baking, or serving as individual portions. A rare variety you won’t find in many pumpkin patches!

Plant Details

• Species: Cucurbita pepo
• Plant Type: Winter squash
• Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
• Fruit Weight: ¾–1½ pounds
• Fruit Color: Creamy white with dark green striping
• Growth Habit: Compact vining plants

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep in warm soil.
• Soil temperatures should be at least 70°F for best germination.
• Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.

Planting

• Choose a location with full sun.
• Space plants 3–4 feet apart.
• Allow room for vines to spread.
• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (8+ hours daily)
• Rich, fertile soil
• Consistent moisture throughout the growing season
• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Care

• Fertilize periodically throughout the season.
• Encourage pollinators for maximum fruit set.
• Water deeply during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid overhead watering when possible.

Harvesting

• Harvest when the rind is hard and the cream-and-green pattern is fully developed.
• Cut fruits from the vine, leaving several inches of stem attached.
• Cure in a warm, dry location for 10–14 days before storage.
• Stores well for several months under proper conditions.

History

Introduced in the late 20th century, Sweet Dumpling quickly became a favorite among gardeners and chefs for its exceptional flavor and attractive appearance. Its small size, excellent storage qualities, and sweet flesh helped establish it as one of the most popular personal-sized winter squashes grown today.