ZUCCHINI BLACK BEAUTY STARTS

Black Beauty zucchini is a highly popular and productive variety, perfect for home gardens and shipping. Maturing in just 55 days, these semi-upright plants produce glossy, black-green fruits averaging 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. For the best flavor and texture, harvest the fruits when young. The tender, creamy-white flesh is firm and flavorful, making it ideal for a variety of dishes.

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Introduced to American gardeners in the 1920s, Black Beauty zucchini quickly gained popularity and became well-known by the 1930s. Its ease of growth and exceptional quality helped popularize zucchini cultivation, earning it the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) Award in 1957.

Transplanting Seedlings:

1. Timing: Transplant Zucchini Black Beauty seedlings outdoors in Pendleton Oregon when the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F, and all risk of frost has passed. Zucchini thrives in warm conditions and does not tolerate cold.
2. Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich the soil with compost or aged manure to provide essential nutrients for vigorous growth.
3. Spacing: Space seedlings 24-36 inches apart, with rows 3-4 feet apart to allow for the zucchini’s sprawling growth habit and good air circulation.
4. Planting Depth: Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, being careful not to disturb the roots. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their containers. Avoid burying the stem too deeply.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting to help the seedlings establish. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering at the base of the plants to prevent leaf diseases.
6. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
7. Support (Optional): For small garden spaces, consider training the zucchini to grow vertically on a sturdy trellis. This reduces the space required and improves airflow.
8. Pollination: Zucchini relies on pollinators for fruit set. Planting flowers nearby can attract pollinators, or you can hand-pollinate if necessary.

Growing: Squash seedlings are sensitive to frost, so protect them if temperatures drop below 65°F. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent issues like mildew or rot. As the vines develop, apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the fruit clean by reducing soil contact.

Harvesting: For the best taste and texture, harvest zucchini when they reach 4-5 inches in length. Once the plants begin producing, pick mature zucchini every day or two to encourage continued production. Zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks and also freezes well for longer preservation.

Latin Name: Cucurbita pepo

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: Green