ZUCCHINI-BLACK BEAUTY
$3.50
SEEDS PER PACK: 18
In stock
Cucurbita pepo
ZUCCHINI-BLACK BEAUTY is a standard zucchini with a compact spiny, ever bearing bush. A very popular variety whose fruit is dark green, glossy and tapers towards each end. Plants are compact & easy to grow to produce an abundance of fruit throughout the summer. Delicious when baked, boiled, fried, steamed & raw in a variety of recipes. Long, cylindrical fruits are best eaten when 15-20cm long. Excellent variety for freezing.
Sow in good seed compost. Germination usually takes 6-10 days at 24°C. Can also be sown where they are to crop in late winter/early spring. Sow 3 seeds every 60cm & thin out to the best seedlings.
How to Grow Black Beauty Zucchini
- Choose a location with full sun exposure of at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Also, make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
- Start your Black Beauty Zucchini seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use a high-quality seed starting mix and plant one seed per container. Keep the soil moist and warm, around 70-80°F. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, transplant them outdoors. Or direct sow after the last frost.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Make sure the soil temperature is at least 15.5°C (60°F) before transplanting. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the root ball of the seedling, and water thoroughly.
- Provide regular watering to grow and produce abundant yields. Water deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilise regularly with a balanced fertiliser every 2-3 weeks or apply a slow-release fertiliser at planting time. Black Beauty Zucchini is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilisation.
- Control pests and diseases as Black Beauty Zucchini is susceptible to pests and diseases, including squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Use insecticidal soap and neem oil to control pests and apply a fungicide to prevent powdery mildew, or ensure your plant is well aerated.
- Harvest regularly when the fruit is 6-8 inches long and the skin is firm and glossy. Regular harvesting of the fruit encourages continuous production.
Heritage of Black Beauty Zucchini
The heritage of Black Beauty Zucchini can be traced back to Italy, where it was first cultivated in the 19th century. It is a popular variety of zucchini due to its dark green colour, cylindrical shape, and mild flavour. Today, Black Beauty Zucchini is grown in many countries and is a popular choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
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Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia
| Plant Height (cm) | 45 - 60 cm (18 - 24 inches) |
|---|---|
| Season of Interest | Summer |
| Temperature Range | 15 - 35°C (59 - 95°F) |
| Annual / Perennial / Biennial | Annual |
| Frost Hardy / Tender | Tender |
| Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade | Full Sun |
| Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings | Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings |
| Soil | Well drainded, fertile soil |
| pH | 6 - 7 |
| Soil Temperature | 18 - 24 °C (64 - 75 °F) |
| Seed Preparation | None required. Soaking for 2–4 hours may speed germination but is optional |
| Sowing Depth | 2 - 3 cm (1 inch) |
| Plant Spacing | 60 - 90 cm (24 - 36 inches) |
| Row spacing | 90 - 120 cm (36 - 48 inches) |
| Watering | Regular watering, do not let soil dry out |
| Germination Time (Days) | 7 - 14 days |
| Harvest Time (Days) | 50 - 60 days |
| Good Companion Plants | Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Radishes, Dill, Chamomile, Corn, Beans, Peas |
| Bad Companion Plants | Potatoes, Fennel, Melons, Pumpkins, Squashes, Cucumbers |
| Pests | Squash bugs, Cucumber beetles, Aphids, Spider mites, Vine borers |
| Diseases | Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Bacterial wilt, Phytophthora blight, Squash mosaic virus |
