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Squash - Black Beauty (Cucurbita pepo) Black Beauty Summer Squash Heirloom Vegetable

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Squash - Black Beauty (Cucurbita pepo) Black Beauty Summer Squash Heirloom Vegetable

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: 10