2025 Research Report – Dumpling Squash Evaluations

Peyton Ginakes, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Research Associate
David Handley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Small Fruit & Vegetable Specialist
Mark Hutton, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist

A dumpling squash trial was initiated in 2025 at the University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm. The purpose of the evaluations was to evaluate the productivity and quality of ten dumpling squash cultivars. Cucurbita pepo winter squash breeding has progressed over the last several years to include shapes, skin colors, and flesh qualities that fall across the acorn to dumpling spectrum rather than distinctly within either category. The ten cultivars included in this study were chosen to compare type standards and new varieties in this broadening category.

Field Trial Methods

Squash were seeded into 50-cell trays filled with ProMix BX + Mycorrhizae media on May 30, and transplanted by hand on Jun 27 (one month after seeding). Plants were grown on raised beds covered with biodegradable black plastic mulch with 22” between plants. Each plot contained six plants, and the trial included five replications. Plants were fertigated by hand approximately weekly throughout the growing season using 1 Tbsp/gal of Jack’s Professional 12-45-10 Plant Starter soluble fertilizer.

Fruit were harvested on Sep 17, 82 days after transplanting. The number and weight of each fruit was recorded for each plant, and fruit that were visibly undersized were deemed culls.

Squash Quality Assessments

After yield data were collected, two sets of five fruit for each cultivar were set aside for later quality evaluations. The first set was cured for 5.5 weeks and then subjected to measurements, while the second set was cured for 9.5 weeks before evaluation.

Fruit quality was assessed using two quantitative methods – dry matter and soluble solids content – as well as a blind tasting. Dry matter was measured by boring three cores from fruit, collecting fresh weights, and drying samples at 140 °F until a stable weight was achieved. Soluble solids, a measurement of sweetness, was determined by boring three cores, and then freezing, thawing, and pressing samples to measure °Brix of sap on a handheld refractometer. Samples for the blind tasting were prepared by roasting slices of fruit. Evaluators ranked the appearance, texture, and flavor of each sample on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).

Results

Transplanting coincided with a heat wave at the start of a season-long drought, so overall yields were low and do not reflect optimal production. Still, clear trends and differences between cultivars were detected and future years’ research are expected to reveal which cultivars perform consistently.

Cultivars produced yields ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 lb marketable fruit per plant (Fig. 1). Carnival and Heart of Gold produced significantly greater yield by weight than Sweet Dumpling, and Carnival additionally outyielded Harlequin. Plants produced 0.5 (Sweet Dumpling) to 1.3 (Sweet Lightning) fruit per plant, but there was no significant difference between cultivars. Carnival and Heart of Gold were the largest-fruited cultivars (1.2 lb), greater than Goldilocks, Harlequin, Sweet Dumpling, Sweet Lightning, and Ugly Dumpling (all less than 1 lb).

Figure of a chart showing that Carnival, Heart of Gold and Honey Bun had the highest marketable fruit per pound; Sweet Lightning, Carnival and Heart of Gold had the highest marketable fuit per plant; Heart of Gold, Carnival and Starry Night had the largest fruit by weight while Sweet Dumpling had the lowest in all three categories. — **Figure 1.** Marketable yield parameters of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.

Goldilocks had a greater cull rate than Carnival, Heart of Gold, and Carnival (61% compared to less than 15%; Fig. 2). This was driven almost exclusively by undersized fruit and likely contributed to Goldilocks’ poor yield. Harlequin and Sweet Dumpling also had high cull rates and correspondingly low marketable yields.

Image of chart graph showing Goldilocks has the largest number of culled fruit, followed by Sweet Dumpling and Harlequin while Heart of Gold, Honey Bun and Carnival had the least. — **Figure 2.** Cull rates of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.

No quality metric varied significantly by curing length, so data in Figures 3 and 4 are aggregated across both cure times. Dry matter did not vary significantly by cultivar but ranged from 9.1% (Goldilocks) to 13.9% (Starry Night PMR; Fig. 3). Greater dry matter is typically associated with better texture and eating quality. Similarly, Starry Night PMR had greater soluble solids than Goldilocks, as did Ugly Dumpling and Sweet Dumpling (> 13 °Brix compared to 7.1 °Brix).

Figure showing graph of dry matter and soluble solids for dumpling squash trails where Starry Night, Ugly Dumpling and Sweet Dumpling had the most and Goldilocks, Harlequin and Carnival had the least in both categories. — **Figure 3.** Fruit quality metrics of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.

In a blind tasting, Starry Night PMR, Sweet Lightning, and Ugly Dumpling were all preferred over Honey Bun and Goldilocks overall (Fig. 4). This was closely linked to flavor and texture ratings, while ratings of appearance were more varied.

Image of graph showing how each dumpling squash was rated for flavor, appearance, texture and an overall rating. — **Figure 4.** Eating quality metrics of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.

2025 Research Summary

Starry Night PMR, Sweet Lightning, and Ugly Dumpling had the best eating quality of the ten cultivars trialed and provide a choice between large and small fruit size preferences.

Carnival and Heart of Gold – both large-fruited varieties – were both top-yielding cultivars and had fair eating quality.

Goldilocks was relatively low yielding with high cull rates and poor eating quality.

Harsh growing conditions in 2025 severely impacted plant growth and more favorable weather in future trial years may improve yield and fruit quality. Still, those cultivars with fair yields and good quality in 2025 should be noted for their adaptability.

Cultivar Notes from 2025

Carnival
	Standard for its colorful acorn-type class, from Harris Seeds Large 1 – 1¼ lb fruit and very low cull rate High yielding Subpar eating quality Firm, stringy texture Lacking in flavor and sweetness
Celebration
	Rupp Seeds variety in ‘Carnival’ class Fair yields and low cull rate Slightly smaller fruit (1+ lb) than Carnival; better color expression in heat Fairly uniform size and appearance Dense, smooth texture early in fall became mealy with another month in storage
Goldilocks
	Earthwork Seeds edible/ornamental variety High cull rate with many undersized fruit; low yields Poor eating quality; stringy texture and unpleasant flavor
Harlequin
	Rupp Seeds variety Relatively low yields due to small fruit size (¾ lb) and high cull rate Cute teacup shape Good flavor with midclass ranking for overall quality
Heart of Gold
	Rupp Seeds variety with chunky 1¼ lb fruit Low cull rate, high yielding Good uniformity Mixed reviews on flavor did improve with curing time
Honey Bun
	Johnny’s Selected Seeds variety High-yielding, large fruit, low cull rate Large, blocky 1 lb fruit Fairly uniform Poor flavor, texture, and appearance ratings despite midclass dry matter and soluble solids content
Starry Night PMR
	Johnny’s Selected Seeds variety Closest to true acorn appearance of all cultivars in trial Dark, large 1+ lb fruit with yellow streaking gives appearance with mixed reviews Medium-low yields but excellent, high-ranking eating quality Driest flesh with greatest soluble solids content
Sweet Dumpling
	Standard in the dumpling class, from Sakata Classic blocky, squat dumpling shape Small ¾ lb fruit and high cull rate, low yields Fair dry matter and soluble solids but mixed liking
Sweet Lightning
	Rupp Seeds variety with potential as edible-ornamental Very small (¾ lb) and squat fruit with the most productive plants in terms of fruit number Buttery texture, high-ranking for quality
Ugly Dumpling
	Rupp Seeds dumpling variety Pear shape with small to medium size (¾ – 1 lb) Relatively low yielding Very dry flesh with high soluble solids content In top 3 for eating quality; notable improvement with additional month of storage

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, University of Maine Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association, New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and Hatch ME022320. Gowan Seed Company, Harris Seeds, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Rupp Seeds generously donated materials for this project. We are grateful for assistance from Greg Koller, Patricia McManus, Claire Schaffer, Stephanie Wright, and Charlotte Trundy.

Please contact Peyton Ginakes at peyton.ginakes@maine.edu or (207)933-2100 with any questions or comments about this research.

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3.2.26

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Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm