At IFPA's Global Show in Anaheim, Sakata Seed America showed several new squash and pumpkin varieties. "One of the varieties we're very excited about is Thriller," says Jeff Watkins, Cucurbit Business Unit Lead at Sakata. "It's a dual-purpose edible squash and a decorative pumpkin at the same time." The variety is a new All-America Selections (AAS) winner and according to AAS judges, the eating quality is far improved compared to similar types. The variable orange and dark green psychedelic stripes on a creamy background create consumer appeal. The colors appear early and hold well after harvest. Thriller will be commercially available in 2026.
© Sakata Seed
Thriller variety.
Tropicana
Tropicana is a new tropical butternut squash variety that is currently mainly grown in South America and South Africa, but Sakata Seed is working on getting the variety to the U.S. market. The hybrid variety is marketed for its vigorous growth and sweeter flavor as it has a higher brix level compared to other butternut squash varieties. Tropicana has dark orange flesh and a dark green skin that retains color in storage. "The variety is already commercially available in South America and South Africa, but we're trialing it in the U.S. currently and hope for it to be commercially available in 2027," Watkins said.
© Sakata Seed
Tropicana.
Pie-size pumpkins
Also new are three decorative pie-class pumpkins that are in the pre-commercial stage right now and should be commercially available by 2027. The tan colored variety is unique as there are no tan pumpkins available in this size. The orange variety has a better disease package compared to the varieties currently available, and the white variety stays white much longer. "We're really revamping the pie-size pumpkin category with varieties that contain a better disease package, are more grower friendly, and have higher yields," commented Watkins. Currently, all three varieties are trialed across the U.S.
© Sakata Seed
Pie-size pumpkins.
For more information:
Jeff Watkins
Sakata Seed America
Tel: (+1) 408-610-8438
[email protected]
www.sakatavegetables.com
