Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash

Curcubita pepo

Seeds per pack ~ 20

Germination: 97% Jun 2024  Packed for 2025

Origins and History

Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash is a modern heirloom-type winter squash bred with roots in traditional Delicata varieties. The original Delicata, first introduced in the late 19th century, became beloved for its sweet, nutty flavor but was nearly lost during the mid-20th century due to disease pressure. Plant breeders revived and refined it, and Candystick Dessert Delicata emerged as a selection prized for its exceptionally high sugar content, deep flavor, and improved keeping qualities. This variety has quickly gained favor among growers and chefs who appreciate its blend of heritage flavor and modern vigor.

Appearance and Characteristics

Candystick Dessert Delicata produces medium-sized fruits, typically 1–2 pounds each, with elongated, cylindrical shapes and distinctive green striping over a tan to cream background. The skin cures to a warm caramel tone in storage. Inside, the rich orange flesh is dense, fine-grained, and unusually sweet, often compared to brown sugar or caramel when roasted. The vines are moderately vigorous, producing multiple fruits per plant with good uniformity.

Culinary Uses

This squash is celebrated as a true “dessert” vegetable. Its flavor is naturally sweet enough to be enjoyed with minimal seasoning, making it ideal for roasting, baking, or stuffing. Many cooks slice and roast the fruits in rings, drizzle them with butter or olive oil, and let their sugars caramelize in the oven. The flesh also purées beautifully for pies, custards, or soups, offering a naturally sweet alternative to pumpkin. Its concentrated sugars make it particularly prized for holiday dishes and gourmet markets.

Growing Tips

Candystick Dessert Delicata thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It grows well in USDA Zones 3–9 as a summer crop, maturing into fall. Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost when the soil has warmed to at least 65°F, or start indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart to allow vines to sprawl. Regular watering and mulching help maintain even soil moisture, while crop rotation minimizes pest and disease pressure.

Harvesting Guidance

Days to Maturity: Around 80–100 days from planting to harvest. Fruits are ready for harvest when their skin hardens and the background color deepens to a warm tan. Typically, this occurs 85–100 days after sowing. Cut fruits from the vine with 2–3 inches of stem attached to prolong storage life. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space for 10–14 days before storage. Properly cured Candystick Dessert Delicata can store for up to three months, with flavor often intensifying as sugars continue to develop in storage.

 SQUASH, PUMPKIN, ZUCCHINI GROWING GUIDE