Squash, Summer Seed - Black Beauty

Zucchini is one vegetable that just won't quit! This highly productive bush-type heirloom from the 1920s takes up little garden space. Dark green, shiny fruits with tender skin are very versatile in the kitchen. Can be steamed, sautéed, added to soups, omelets, and breads, made into relish, and eaten raw in salads or with dip. See inside of packet for zucchini relish recipe. 'Black Beauty' is a 1957 All-America Selections award winner.

Days to Maturity: 55 days

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Type: Zucchini, Bush Squash, Summer Squash (Learn more)

Native: North America

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Compact vines form a 2' tall by 3'–4' bush-type plant.

Variety Info: Best picked at 6"–8" long, has very dark green, shiny thin skin with creamy white interior, introduced to the U.S. in the 1920s.

Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–85°F.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ½"–1"

Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound

Row Spacing: 3'–4'

Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound