{"id":12760,"date":"2026-03-02T09:53:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T14:53:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/highmoor\/?page_id=12760"},"modified":"2026-03-02T09:59:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T14:59:34","slug":"dumpling-squash-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/highmoor\/resources-by-crop\/winter-squash\/dumpling-squash-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Research Report – Dumpling Squash Evaluations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Peyton Ginakes, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Research Associate<\/strong>
\nDavid Handley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Small Fruit & Vegetable Specialist
\n<\/strong>Mark Hutton, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist<\/strong><\/p>\n

A dumpling squash trial was initiated in 2025 at the University of Maine\u2019s Highmoor Farm. The purpose of the evaluations was to evaluate the productivity and quality of ten dumpling squash cultivars. Cucurbita pepo<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

Field Trial Methods<\/h3>\n

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\u201d 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\u2019s Professional 12-45-10 Plant Starter soluble fertilizer.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Squash Quality Assessments<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Fruit quality was assessed using two quantitative methods \u2013 dry matter and soluble solids content \u2013 as well as a blind tasting. Dry matter was measured by boring three cores from fruit, collecting fresh weights, and drying samples at 140 \u00b0F 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 \u00b0Brix 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).<\/p>\n

Results<\/h3>\n

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\u2019 research are expected to reveal which cultivars perform consistently.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

\"Figure
Figure 1.<\/strong> Marketable yield parameters of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine\u2019s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019 poor yield. Harlequin and Sweet Dumpling also had high cull rates and correspondingly low marketable yields.<\/p>\n

\"Image
Figure 2.<\/strong> Cull rates of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine\u2019s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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 \u00b0Brix compared to 7.1 \u00b0Brix).<\/p>\n

\"Figure
Figure 3.<\/strong> Fruit quality metrics of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine\u2019s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Image
Figure 4.<\/strong> Eating quality metrics of ten dumpling squash cultivars grown at University of Maine\u2019s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME in 2025. Cultivars that do not share letters are different at p < 0.05.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2025 Research Summary<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Carnival and Heart of Gold \u2013 both large-fruited varieties \u2013 were both top-yielding cultivars and had fair eating quality.<\/p>\n

Goldilocks was relatively low yielding with high cull rates and poor eating quality.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cultivar Notes from 2025<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Carnival<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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