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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Eight Ball'

Green Zucchini (Black Beauty type)

Green Zucchini (Black Beauty type) is a round, ball-shaped squash with fruit around 3-4 inches diameter. Ready from roughly day 50-55. Germination takes 7-10 days. Space 3-4 feet apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container. This one is a hybrid: buy seed each season instead of saving it.

Squash
50-55days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 60°F and danger of frost has passed. Can start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
3-4 feet
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green
Size
3-4 inches diameter
Shape
Round, ball-shaped
Flavour
Mild, sweet, tender flesh typical of young zucchini

In the kitchen

Perfect for stuffing, grilling whole, slicing for rounds, baking, and fresh eating

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Good resistance to powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——July – AugustSeptember – August
2——June – AugustSeptember
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 – MarchApril – May
12——January – MarchApril – May
13——January – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

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

NasturtiumsTrap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, also repels aphids
MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with their strong scent
RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, mature quickly before squash spreads
CornProvides vertical structure and partial shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFix nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, complete the Three Sisters guild
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other squash pests
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects that control squash pests

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders requiring similar soil resources
Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash growth and development
Brassicas (Broccoli)Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt squash growth due to different soil pH preferences

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
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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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 Green Zucchini (Black Beauty type)?

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

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Similar varieties

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

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