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Black Beauty Zucchini

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty'

The gold standard of summer squash varieties, beloved by gardeners for over 80 years for its reliable production and classic zucchini flavor. This vigorous heirloom produces an abundance of glossy, dark green fruits that are perfect for everything from zucchini bread to grilled vegetables. Known for its exceptional productivity and tender texture when harvested young.

Harvest

50-55d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Black Beauty Zucchini in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Black Beauty Zucchini · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing36-48 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter

pH6.0-7.5

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture at soil level

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, slightly sweet with tender texture when young

ColorDark glossy green

Size6-8 inches long, 2 inches diameter when harvested young

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	August – September
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	July – September
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	July – August
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	June – August
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	May – July
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	May – June

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: var. CylindricaZucchini Squash, var. Cylindrica. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty– some have edible flesh and some are too hard or insipid to eat, though the seeds of all are edible. Has a harder, thicker stem compared to other species.

Color: Black, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Black Beauty zucchini stores best unwashed in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 4-7 days. Wrap individual fruits in paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent the soft rot that quickly spreads between stored squash. Avoid storing with ethylene-producing fruits like apples or tomatoes.

For freezing, slice or shred zucchini and blanch for 1-2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and freeze in measured portions. Grated Black Beauty freezes exceptionally well for baking—simply thaw and drain before adding to zucchini bread or muffin recipes. You can also freeze spiralized 'noodles' on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.

Dehydrating works well for chips or long-term storage—slice thinly and dry at 125°F until crisp. Pickled zucchini spears showcase Black Beauty's firm texture beautifully and last months in the refrigerator using standard cucumber pickle recipes.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Marigolds

Deters squash bugs, aphids, and nematodes with their strong scent and root compounds

Radishes

Repels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, harvest before zucchini spreads

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding zucchini, can climb zucchini's sturdy stems

Corn

Provides vertical structure and partial shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Catnip

Strongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests

Lettuce

Benefits from zucchini's shade, efficient use of garden space as ground cover

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes may stunt squash growth

Pumpkins

Cross-pollination can affect fruit quality, compete for space and nutrients

Aromatic herbs (strong)

Sage, rosemary, and other strong herbs may inhibit zucchini growth and development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

21kcal(1%)

Protein

2.71g(5%)

Fiber

1.1g(4%)

Carbs

3.11g(1%)

Fat

0.4g(1%)

Vitamin C

34.1mg(38%)

Vitamin A

25mcg(3%)

Iron

0.79mg(4%)

Calcium

21mg(2%)

Potassium

459mg(10%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168565)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance to common squash diseases

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids

Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, squash mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Black Beauty zucchini take to grow from seed?▼

Black Beauty zucchini takes 50-55 days from seed to first harvest. You'll see germination in 7-10 days, flowering begins around 35-40 days, and the first harvestable fruits appear about two weeks after flowering begins. With consistent care and warm weather, plants continue producing for 8-10 weeks.

Can you grow Black Beauty zucchini in containers?▼

Yes, but use very large containers—at least 20-25 gallons with drainage holes. Black Beauty plants spread 3-4 feet wide with extensive root systems. Choose a half-barrel or similar large container, use high-quality potting mix, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Container plants need daily watering during hot weather.

Is Black Beauty zucchini good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. Black Beauty is considered the easiest zucchini variety for new gardeners due to its forgiving nature, reliable germination, and vigorous growth. It tolerates minor care mistakes better than most varieties and produces abundantly even with basic gardening skills. The main challenge is keeping up with the harvest!

What does Black Beauty zucchini taste like?▼

Black Beauty has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with subtle nutty undertones when harvested young. The texture is tender and moist with small, barely noticeable seeds. Unlike some varieties that can be watery or bland, Black Beauty maintains good flavor whether eaten raw, sautéed, baked, or grilled.

When should I plant Black Beauty zucchini seeds?▼

Plant Black Beauty after soil temperature reaches 65°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F consistently. This typically means late May in zones 5-6, mid-May in zones 7-8, and early May in zones 9+. For earlier harvest, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting outside.

Black Beauty vs Eight Ball zucchini—what's the difference?▼

Black Beauty produces traditional elongated zucchini 6-8 inches long, while Eight Ball produces round, baseball-sized fruits. Black Beauty offers higher yields and longer harvest window, while Eight Ball is better for stuffing whole. Both have similar flavor, but Black Beauty is more versatile for slicing, spiralizing, and general cooking uses.