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Squash - Black Beauty (Cucurbita pepo) Black Beauty Summer Squash Heirloom Vegetable - Organic, Non-GMO

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Squash - Black Beauty (Cucurbita pepo) Black Beauty Summer Squash Heirloom Vegetable - Organic, Non-GMO

Annual

Height 12 to 24 in

All zucchini are squash, but not all squash are zucchini. The term 'squash' refers to a plant species within the gourd family, which is further divided into winter squash and summer squash

Black Beauty is an heirloom Summer Squash variety, with a dark green almost black out skin and a creamy white inner flesh; plants produce 6 to 8 inch long fruits. Each plant has a bush like growth habit. 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.

This variety requires high levels of water; aim for at least 1 in of water per week, and always water deeply. Consistent moisture is key to growing productive plants, especially when fruits are forming. Use either drip irrigation or a soaker hose to keep leaves dry, which will prevent disease. Both flowers and fruits are edible.

  • Full sun
  • Well draining soil
  • Start seeds indoors: Not recommended but if your growing season is very short, start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 in deep in biodegradable pots which can be planted directly into the ground so as not to disturb the roots. Germination Soil Temperature: 70–95°F. Transplant seedlings to garden when all risk of frost has passed.
  • NOTE: When transplanting seedlings outside, provide them with partial shade for the first few days to prevent plants from wilting.
  • OR direct sow 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are at least 60°F. 
  • Space Between Plants: 24″
  • Space Between Rows: 3–4′
  • Germination: 6 to 15 days
  • Harvest: should begin about 60 days after planting or a week after flowering. When fruits reach 6 to 10 in in length, cut them from the plant about 1 in from their tops. Check plants dailyas fruits grow fast- taste and texture is best when young.  
  • Storage: carefully wash and keep fruits in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, but ideally you’ll eat or preserve it sooner. Frozen summer squash can be stored for up to 2 months. Use flowers as soon as you can, since these delicate blooms won’t last long off the plant.
  • Sow as late as 12 weeks before average first frost date for a fall crop.
  • Seed Count: 20