Squash
90-100days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z4–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture at soil level
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
2-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark glossy green
Size
1 1/2-2 1/2"
Shape
Cylindrical with slight tapering
Flavour
Mild, slightly sweet with tender texture when young

In the kitchen

Baking (zucchini bread, muffins), sautéing, grilling, stuffing, spiralizing into noodles, fresh in salads when small

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, squash mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common squash diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyAugust – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – September
6——May – JuneJuly – September
7——April – JuneJuly – August
8——April – MayJune – August
9——March – AprilMay – July
10——February – AprilMay – June
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
MarigoldsDeters squash bugs, aphids, and nematodes with their strong scent and root compounds
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, harvest before zucchini spreads
BeansFix nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding zucchini, can climb zucchini's sturdy stems
CornProvides vertical structure and partial shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests
LettuceBenefits from zucchini's shade, efficient use of garden space as ground cover

Avoid

PotatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes may stunt squash growth
PumpkinsCross-pollination can affect fruit quality, compete for space and nutrients
Aromatic herbs (strong)Sage, rosemary, and other strong herbs may inhibit zucchini growth and development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
21
Protein (g)
2.71
Fat (g)
0.4
Carbohydrate (g)
3.11
Fibre (g)
1.1
Vitamin A (µg)
25
Vitamin C (mg)
34.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.142
Folate (µg)
20
Calcium (mg)
21
Iron (mg)
0.79
Magnesium (mg)
33
Phosphorus (mg)
93
Potassium (mg)
459
Zinc (mg)
0.83
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Black Beauty Zucchini?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Black Beauty Zucchini suits these too.

Browse all 60 squash