Zucchini - Black Beauty

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately 7-14 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita pepo
Lot# ZU42000
Black Beauty Zucchini is considered the standard summer squash.  It was introduced in the 1920s.  Large bush plants are non-vining and grow on a semi upright open habit that can reach 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall with a spread that reaches 45-50 cm (18-20”) wide.   A vigorous producer of long cylindrical glossy green to black fruits with firm white flesh. They are best eaten when under 15-20 cm (6-8”) long and 3-8 cm (1½-3”) in diameter. The best variety for freezing.  Easy to grow.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Direct sow the seeds in June once the soil is warm up to at least 21˚C (70˚F).  Sow 4 to 5 seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep into hills or rows.  Space hills 91-121 cm (3-4’) apart. When the seedlings are 5-7 cm (2-3”) tall, thin them to 2-3 plants per hill. If planting rows, sow seeds 10 cm (4”) apart in rows 91-121 cm (3-4’) apart. When the seedlings are 5-7 cm (2-3”) tall, thin to one plant every 45-61 cm (18-24”). For transplants, start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outside. Sow 3 or 4 seeds per pot and thin to one or two plants. Harden off seedlings gradually by cutting back on water and expose them to sunlight daily.  Seedlings should have more than 2 to 3 true leaves prior to transplanting outside.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep. 
  • Germination:  3-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity: Black Beauty Zucchini plants reach 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall.  Spread is about 45-50 cm (18-20”) wide.  
  • Days to Maturity:   50-60 days.
  • Watering:   Zucchini plants require at least 4-5 cm (1½-2”) of water a week.  This will ensure good growth, whether they are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.  Soil should remain mildly moist. Do not water shallowly. The soil needs to be moist 4 inches down.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
Additional Information
You will not need to grow many of these plants as they are quite prolific producers unless you have lots of friends and family that enjoy zucchini.   The bush habit is rather closed and can make harvesting a bit of a challenge. Sow zucchini in the garden as early as 2 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. To get a head start on the season sow zucchini indoors about 3 weeks before you transplant it into the garden. Sow successive crops every 2 to 4 weeks to extend the harvest and to protect against crop loss to insects or disease. Time all plantings so that squash comes to harvest before the first frost in fall.  By the time the Black Beauty Zucchini reaches its mature size, they can be monsters that can be 76 cm (30”) long with a tough hide.