Sweet Dumpling Squash is a beautiful deep green-speckled cream colored winter squash with delicata-like thin skin and sometimes has mottled yellow and/or orange markings. Bred as a cross between carnival and acorn squash, the flesh is smooth, tender, and sweet, with a bright orange color.The sweet, nutty flavor of Sweet Dumpling Squash makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes, from roasting and stuffing to soups and purees. Its tender flesh has a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with savory spices or sweet glazes, making it a favorite for fall and winter recipes. The squash stores exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavor long after the growing season has ended. Gardeners love its reliable performance, high yields, and ability to thrive in various growing conditions. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your meals, brighten up your garden, or grow a squash that’s perfect for personal servings, Sweet Dumpling Squash is an excellent choice! Also Known As: Baby Carnival Squash, Sweet Potato Squash, Peanut Squash, Bohemian Squash, Acorn Delicata Squash. Plant Name: Winter Squash, Sweet Dumpling Latin Name: Curcubita pepo Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 91 Plant Height: 5 - 8 Feet Spread: 3 - 5 Feet Growth Habit: Vining USDA Zones: 3-9 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Squash grows best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 4 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant Sweet Dumpling squash in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm. If fall planting, plant 8-10 weeks before the average first date in your area. Planting early ensures squash will mature before the first killing frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 2-3 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, wait until seedlings grow 1-2 sets of leaves before determining the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 2-3 feet Between-Row Spacing: 4-6 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants enough to keep them from wilting. If the weather is really dry, water squash plants at least once a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Weeding: Keeping squash plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeply to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: When blooms first appear, you may optionally apply a dressing of fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Harvest Sweet Dumpling Squash when the rind hardens and develops deep cream-colored skin with dark green stripes, and the stem is hard and slightly shriveled, about 90-100 days after planting. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 2-3 inches of stem attached to extend storage life. Harvesting should be done before the first frost, as frost can damage the fruit and reduce its quality. Handle the squash carefully to avoid bruising or breaking the skin, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for 7-10 days if you intend to store them for longer periods.
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