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Zucchini Dark Green

Cucurbita pepo 'Dark Green Zucchini'

The quintessential summer squash that every home gardener should grow, producing abundant harvests of tender, dark green fruits perfect for everything from bread to stir-fries. This reliable variety is incredibly prolific, often yielding more zucchini than one family can handle. Its compact bush habit and early production make it ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

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 Zucchini Dark Green in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Zucchini Dark Green · 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

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, slightly sweet with tender flesh and edible skin

ColorDeep dark green with light green flecks

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 Dark Green zucchini keeps best stored unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where it maintains quality for 4-7 days. Don't store at room temperature for more than 2-3 days, as it will quickly lose moisture and become rubbery.

For freezing, slice or shred zucchini, then blanch for 1-2 minutes before packaging—this preserves color and texture. Frozen zucchini works excellently in baked goods but becomes too soft for fresh applications. Dehydrated zucchini chips make excellent snacks when sliced thin and dried at 135°F for 6-8 hours.

Grated zucchini freezes well for winter baking projects—measure into recipe-sized portions and freeze flat in freezer bags. For pickle enthusiasts, young, tender Dark Green zucchini makes excellent bread-and-butter pickles that maintain their crunch better than cucumbers.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes

Radishes

Deter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles

Corn

Provides vertical structure and shade, part of Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil, complete the Three Sisters companion group

Catnip

Strong repellent for squash bugs and cucumber beetles

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects that prey on squash pests

Sunflowers

Attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders

Aromatic herbs (Sage, Rosemary)

Strong scents may inhibit squash growth and reduce pollinator activity

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most vegetables including squash

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

Good resistance to powdery mildew and mosaic virus

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew, blossom end rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does zucchini dark green take to grow from seed?▼

Dark Green zucchini produces harvestable fruits in 50-55 days from seed under optimal conditions. In cooler climates or with late plantings, expect 60-65 days. Plants begin flowering around 35-40 days, with fruits developing rapidly once pollination occurs. For continuous harvest, expect peak production to last 6-8 weeks with proper care and regular harvesting.

Can you grow dark green zucchini in containers?▼

Yes, Dark Green zucchini grows excellently in large containers at least 20 gallons in size. Use a container 24+ inches wide and deep with drainage holes. The compact bush habit makes it more suitable for containers than vining squash varieties. Place in full sun and maintain consistent moisture, as container plants dry out faster than garden beds.

Is zucchini dark green good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—Dark Green zucchini is one of the best vegetables for beginning gardeners. It has reliable germination, tolerates minor care mistakes, produces abundantly with basic care, and grows quickly so new gardeners see results fast. The main challenge is managing the abundant harvest, not growing the plants themselves.

What does dark green zucchini taste like compared to other varieties?▼

Dark Green zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with tender, creamy flesh when harvested young. It's less bitter than some heirloom varieties and has a more delicate taste than yellow summer squash. The edible skin adds a subtle vegetable flavor without toughness, making it appealing to children and those sensitive to strong vegetable flavors.

When should I plant dark green zucchini seeds?▼

Plant Dark Green zucchini seeds 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches 60°F consistently. In most areas, this falls between late May and early June. For transplants, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before outdoor planting time. In zones 9-10, you can also plant a fall crop 10-12 weeks before first frost.

How many zucchini plants do I need for a family of four?▼

Plant only 1-2 Dark Green zucchini plants for a family of four. Each plant can produce 6-10 pounds of zucchini over the season, often overwhelming families with abundance. Start with one plant your first year to gauge your family's consumption, then adjust accordingly. More than 3 plants typically results in giving away excess produce.