ZUCCHINI ‘Black Beauty’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
Black Beauty Zucchini is a classic variety introduced in 1957, renowned for its dark-green, glossy fruits and prolific yield. This bush-type zucchini is a warm climate crop, thriving in temperatures over 21º C and full sun. Black Beauty is a favorite among gardeners for its ease of growth, excellent flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.
Plant Type: Fast-growing, bushy annual vegetable plant; suitable for warm climates.
Plant Height: Typically grows up to 60 cm in height with a semi-upright, open growth habit for easy picking.
Sow When:
- Temperate: September – December
- Subtropical: August – December (avoid sowing during periods of high humidity)
- Tropical: March – August (avoid sowing during periods of high humidity)
- Arid: August – November
- Cool: September – December
Germination: Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C.
Depth: Plant seeds approximately 2-3 cm deep in the soil.
Position: Thrives in full sun, in a location with well-drained soil. Ensure good airflow around plants to prevent disease.
Sow Where: Direct sow seeds outdoors in well-prepared soil, or start indoors and transplant seedlings when they are robust enough to handle.
Soil Type: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 60-90 cm apart to allow for adequate growth and airflow.
Harvest: Harvest fruit when they are about 15 cm long to encourage more fruit production. Plants can produce up to 4 kg of fruit each. The fruits have a uniform dark green color, creamy white flesh, and a good flavor. They can be eaten fresh or frozen for later use.
Pollination: For best production, pollinate the zucchini flowers in the morning while the flowers are still open. Cut a male flower from the plant (with stamen intact) and carefully brush it against a female flower. In gardens with plenty of beneficial insects and bees, natural pollination will occur.
Enjoy the versatility of zucchini in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to baking and freezing.
