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Guaranteed to Grow
Neonicotinoid-Free
Seed Saver Approved

Black Beauty Zucchini

Quick Facts:

  • 1957 All-America Selections winner
  • Tender zucchini; Glossy green skins
  • Compact, heavy-yielding plants
  • Best harvested at 8" or smaller
  • 50 days to harvest

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Quantity: Packet (25 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Black Beauty Zucchini

More about Black Beauty

Cucurbita pepo

Black Beauty zucchini is an heirloom variety that produces an abundance of tender zucchini with glossy, green skins that darken as they mature.  Plants bear over a long period and are heavy producers.  Zucchini are best harvested when they are 8 inches or smaller, but should you find one of those giant "footballs" hiding beneath a leaf, don't despair, it's still good for freezing or juicing (zucchini are high in vitamins and folate).  Black Beauty is one of America's most beloved heirloom zucchini varieties and was an All-America Selections winner in 1957. 50 days to harvest.  25 seeds per packet.

Cucurbita pepo

Black Beauty zucchini is an heirloom variety that produces an abundance of tender zucchini with glossy, green skins that darken as they mature.  Plants bear over a long period and are heavy producers.  Zucchini are best harvested when they are 8 inches or smaller, but should you find one of those giant "footballs" hiding beneath a leaf, don't despair, it's still good for freezing or juicing (zucchini are high in vitamins and folate).  Black Beauty is one of A... read more

read less

Cucurbita pepo

Black Beauty zucchini is an heirloom variety that produces an abundance of tender zucchini with glossy, green skins that darken as they mature.  Plants bear over a long period and are heavy producers.  Zucchini are best harvested when they are 8 inches or smaller, but should you find one of those giant "footballs" hiding beneath a leaf, don't despair, it's still good for freezing or juicing (zucchini are high in vitamins and folate).  Black Beauty is one of America's most beloved heirloom zucchini varieties and was an All-America Selections winner in 1957. 50 days to harvest.  25 seeds per packet.

Bucket of heirloom beans
Bucket of heirloom beans

How to Grow Zucchini

Zucchini thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 70-95°F (21-35°C), and a soil temperature of at least 60°F (16°C) is needed for seeds to germinate. Zucchini requires full sun exposure, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. To maximize fruit set and yield, it's important to provide consistent moisture to the plant throughout the growing season.

After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds in hills with 4-5 seeds per hill and hills spaced 6ft in all directions.  Germination will occur in 7-14 days.  Once seeds have germinated thin to 3 seedlings per hill.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Zucchini can be affected by a few insect pests, including squash bugs and cucumber beetles. To prevent infestations, it's important to rotate crops and remove and destroy all plant residue at the end of season.

Diseases & Other Problems

Some diseases that may affect zucchini include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and bacterial wilt. Other problems that can affect zucchini include blossom end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency and/or drought, and fruit rot, which is caused by fungal infections. To avoid problems, water deeply but infrequently (once per week), ideally from a drip hose. If watering overhead, water in the morning so that the leaves can dry more quickly. Finally, to ensure proper pollination, grow at least three plants of the same species (most Zucchini belong to C. pepo). Male and female flowers of a single vine will often not synchronize with one another.

Zucchini should be harvested when the fruit is small and tender, usually no more than 6-8 inches long. To harvest, gently twist the fruit from the stem or use pruning shears to cut the stem just above the fruit. Harvesting regularly encourages continued production throughout the growing season. Zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is best to use it as soon as possible since it will quickly lose flavor and texture. Avoid washing zucchini until ready to use, as excess moisture can cause the fruit to spoil more quickly.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Zucchini is an outbreeding plant with male and female flowers being borne separately, but on the same plant. Pollination occurs primarily by insects. The different species of squash (C. pepo, C. maxima, C. mixta, C. moshata, C. ficifolia, and C. foetidissima) are generally regarded to be incompatible, although some debate exists about whether hybridization between species can occur. For the typical gardener, it is probably safe to produce one variety of each species in a given year, even in close proximity. Multiple varieties of the same species need to be isolated by at least half a mile. Hand-pollination is relatively easy; however, care must be taken to utilize as many plants as possible to ensure that inbreeding depression does not occur.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest zucchini seed, wait until the fruit reach full maturity. Allowing a post-harvest curing period may help improve germination but is not necessary. Cut open the squash and scoop out the seeds. Seeds may be washed to remove any pump that remains and dried on a paper towel. Alternatively, our preferred method is to put the seeds and pulp in a bucket and add just enough water to submerge the seeds. Place a plate and weight on top to keep the seeds from floating on top of the water. Allow to ferment for 1-2 days. Stir vigorously or mix with a drill fitted with a paint mixer, add water and allow the seeds to sink to the bottom. Pour off water, pulp, and non-viable (floating) seeds. Repeat until water runs clean.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Zucchini seeds remain viable for six years when stored under ideal conditions.

Squash plant

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
(3)
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(0)
25%
(1)
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0%
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L
L.S.

Fast delivery. Not planting until next spring.

K
Kelly Fraser
Black Beauty

Black beauty zucchini?
The package said Black Beauty summer squash.
Which one is it?

Thanks for your review, Kelly. I apologize for the confusion. The seed you received is indeed zucchini. In our system, we classify squash as either summer (typically harvested young) or winter (usually harvested at maturity). We are actually revamping our labels now, so your feedback is very helpful! In the future, we will make a special designation for summer squash that are of the zucchini variety.

A
Alison Murray
Doing great

It’s still very early in the growing season but these guys mean business, they are growing at a great rate

J
Joanna Luna
Excited: I love zucchini

My order arrived in a timely manner. I received communication about my order from the time I submitted the order until it was delivered via USPS. The packing was closed well and secure to keep seeds safe and contained. This morning my zucchini seeds began to sprout. I have the little seedlings in starter cups. Looking forward to a delicious harvest!

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