New Greenhouse for Breeding Department
January 6, 2025 | By Rupp Seeds
Our breeding program received a major upgrade in 2024 when our new greenhouse became fully operational. The new greenhouse has a number of improvements that will allow Bill Holdsworth (Plant Breeder) and Jim Short (Research Associate) to increase the rate of change in our pumpkin and winter squash lines - ultimately helping us release products more quickly and which are more on target with traits growers value.
Rupp Seeds has the distinction of being one of a few companies in America operating a greenhouse that is mainly focused on the breeding of pumpkins and winter squash. “As we were planning and developing this updated greenhouse, we found many of our concerns were specific to our situation,” says Bill. 
Jim, continues, “Lighting and irrigation, for example, had to be rethought because of the unique needs of raising pumpkins indoors.”
“We’ve been operational for a couple of months now, and we’ve already altered our plant care. Mainly because this new facility allows us greater overall control,” adds Bill.
Our breeding program has brought many varieties to market that have now become industry leaders. Pumpkins like Carbonado Gold, Garnet Gold, and Bayhorse Gold along with squash such as Betternut 900, Autumn Delight, and Ugly Dumpling have all originated from Rupp Seeds.