‘Sugar Dumpling F1’ squash, certified organic seeds

Name: ‘Sugar Dumpling F1’ squash, certified organic seeds ( Cucurbita pepo )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Cucurbita pepo

Product code : GAIAS-0259

Small cream-and-green striped winter squash with very sweet orange flesh. Organic semi-bush hybrid; maturity in 95 to 110 days. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

‘Sugar Dumpling F1’ squash, certified organic seeds (Cucurbita pepo) This hybrid winter squash produces small ribbed fruit with creamy green-striped skin, conveniently sized for one or two servings. Its deep-orange fine-grained flesh is exceptionally sweet and well suited to roasting, purées, soups, and stuffing. The semi-bush plant generally produces four to six fruit weighing 1.5 to 2 pounds, and Gaia identifies it as resistant to powdery mildew. The packet contains approximately 5 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Kew recognizes Cucurbita pepo as the accepted botanical name in the Cucurbitaceae family. The compact fruit can also be served as individual roasted halves directly at the table.

Soak seed in warm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify the coat to improve germination. Start seed indoors three to four weeks before the last frost. Sow 1 inch deep and maintain the medium at 21 to 35°C, preferably around 27 to 35°C; germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. Transplant only after all frost risk has passed and soil reaches approximately 25°C. Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Harden seedlings gradually for several days before planting them outdoors. Water gently after transplanting to settle the roots without saturating the soil.

Grow Sugar Dumpling F1 in full sun and rich loose soil that remains evenly moist while draining well. Plants reach approximately 2 to 3 feet high and spread 3 to 6 feet. Maturity occurs in 95 to 110 days. Harvest when colour is rich, the rind resists a fingernail, and the ground spot becomes cream, gold, or orange. Cut fruit with approximately 2 inches of stem, then cure in a warm dry place. Store cured fruit at 10 to 12°C with 55 to 75% relative humidity and good airflow; Gaia states that sound fruit can store for up to six months. Lift fruit from underneath so the protective stem remains attached.

Uses in the garden

Place the plant in a sunny bed with up to 6 feet of spread. Its semi-bush habit fits smaller gardens better than many strongly vining squashes, but stems still need room and good airflow. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

01 How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains approximately 5 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Sugar Dumpling F1 is an annual hybrid squash. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

02 How should the seeds be started?

Soak seed for up to 24 hours, lightly scarify it, then sow 1 inch deep in pots three to four weeks before the last frost. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days at 21 to 35°C, preferably around 27 to 35°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

04 How should planting be organized?

Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Each plant can spread approximately 3 to 6 feet. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

05 When should it be harvested?

Harvest when the rind resists a fingernail and colour is rich. Cut with 2 inches of stem, cure warm, and store at 10 to 12°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.