Cucurbita pepo Ugly Dumpling F1 – colorful and tasty dumpling pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Ugly Dumpling F1 is an extremely decorative and tasty pumpkin, distinguished by its striking two-toned appearance. This variety of the popular Sweet Dumpling has golden-brown fruits with green stripes, making them an eye-catcher both in the garden and at the market. The fruits are compact and weigh an average of about 600 grams, making them ideal for culinary and decorative uses.

Features of Ugly Dumpling F1

Ugly Dumpling F1 stands out with its unique colours and compact growth pattern:

• Two-tone fruits with a golden brown base color and green stripes

• Compact growth, suitable for limited space and pot culture

• Fruit weight approx. 600 grams, ideal for individual portions

• Excellent taste, highly regarded in US and international cuisines

Despite the name “Ugly Dumpling,” this variety is particularly attractive and a real eye-catcher, both in the garden and at the market.

Culinary Uses – Versatile Edible Pumpkin

Ugly Dumpling F1 is an edible pumpkin that is perfect for various dishes:

• roasting or baking in the oven

• stuffed pumpkins with savory or sweet fillings

• soups, purees and stews

• creative autumn dishes and small portions for festive meals

The compact size and firm skin make the variety suitable for individual portions and present the flesh in an attractive way.

Compact plants – easy to manage

Ugly Dumpling F1 has a compact, vining habit, making the plants easy to manage in both large and small gardens. This makes the variety ideal for:

• hobby gardeners with limited space

• raised beds or pot culture

• beginning growers who want reliable yields

The compact tendril structure contributes to healthy leaves, good air circulation and optimal fruit development.

Maturation period of 100 days – reliable harvest

With a ripening time of approximately 100 days, Ugly Dumpling F1 is a mid-season variety of Cucurbita pepo. The fruits develop evenly and retain their firmness, color, and flavor for a long time, making them perfect for autumn harvest and seasonal display.

Cultivation advice for optimal yield

Cucurbita pepo Ugly Dumpling F1 grows best in warm, well-drained soil. For successful cultivation, the seeds can be planted in two ways:

• Sow from the end of April, plant out after the last frost

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as the soil temperature is sufficient

For optimal germination, a temperature of 24–30°C is ideal. The seeds should be placed pointed-side down or flat and kept slightly moist, but not wet. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a bright, cooler location to promote strong, healthy growth.

Planting distance and space requirements

Due to their compact vine growth, the required planting distance depends on the available space. Generally, the plants can be grown efficiently in limited spaces while still producing a good yield and developing uniform, attractive fruits.

Decorative and culinary value

Ugly Dumpling F1 combines visual impact with culinary practicality. Its unique colors and compact shape make this variety ideal for:

• autumn and Halloween decorations

• table decorations and flower arrangements

• creative cooking projects and filled dishes

• sales in garden centers and at markets

The combination of taste, compactness and aesthetic value makes Ugly Dumpling F1 a versatile and popular pumpkin for both hobby and professional cultivation.