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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Dark Green Zucchini'

Zucchini Dark Green

Zucchini Dark Green is a hybrid squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 50-55. Skin runs to deep dark green with light green flecks. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering. Suits zones 3-11. It will crop in a container. As a hybrid it will not breed true; saving seed from it is not worth the space.

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

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F. Can also start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep dark green with light green flecks
Size
6-8 inches long, 2 inches diameter when harvested young
Shape
Cylindrical, slightly tapered
Flavour
Mild, slightly sweet with tender flesh and edible skin

In the kitchen

Grilling, sautéing, baking into breads and muffins, spiralized as pasta substitute, stuffed, in ratatouille

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew, blossom end rot
Resistance
Good resistance to powdery mildew and mosaic virus

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, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes
RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles
CornProvides vertical structure and shade, part of Three Sisters planting
BeansFix nitrogen in soil, complete the Three Sisters companion group
CatnipStrong repellent for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on squash pests
SunflowersAttract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders
Aromatic herbs (Sage, Rosemary)Strong scents may inhibit squash growth and reduce pollinator activity
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most vegetables including squash

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.

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