The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Cucurbita pepo. 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.
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | well drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0–7.5 | consistent watering; avoid getting foliage wet |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12-24” | Compact vines form a 2' tall by 3'–4' bushtype plant | 55 |
- Additional instructions: Practice 3 year crop rotations among all Cucurbit family crops (cucumbers, melons and squash) for pest management. Encourage bees for best pollination, otherwise hand pollination is suggested.
- Harvesting instructions: Harvest frequently to increase yield; squash seem to get monstrous overnight. While edible at almost any size, seeds are less developed in young fruit, therefore more tender. Using a knife or clippers, cut squash off including some of the stem. By including stem, the fruit is sealed and less likely to mold or dry out. Harvesting Blossoms: Look for male, non-fruit producing flowers that have long stems and harvest just before use (female flowers have a swollen mini-squash at the base of the flower and are on shorter stems).
Common Diseases and Pests
- Pests: cucumber beetle, aphids, Squash Vine Borers
- Disease: Powdery mildew, Downy Mildew, Alternaria Blight, and Angular Leaf Spot
Useful Resources
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Black-Beauty-Summer-Squash-Seeds/ (seed source)
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/vegetable-planting-chart/
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/summer-squash/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.