- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Type: Zucchini, Bush Squash, Summer Squash (Learn more)
Native: North America
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: Compact vines form a 2' tall by 3'–4' bush-type plant.
Variety Info: Best picked at 6"–8" long, has very dark green, shiny thin skin with creamy white interior, introduced to the U.S. in the 1920s.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–85°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ½"–1"
Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound
Row Spacing: 3'–4'
Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest frequently to increase yield; squash seem to get monstrous overnight. While edible at almost any size, seeds are less developed in young fruit, therefore more tender. Using a knife or clippers, cut squash off including some of the stem. By including stem, the fruit is sealed and less likely to mold or dry out. Harvesting Blossoms: Look for male, non-fruit producing flowers that have long stems and harvest just before use (female flowers have a swollen mini-squash at the base of the flower and are on shorter stems).
- JulieVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/26/25They produce non-stop!
Great zucchini variety and I especially like that it doesn't have the spiny stems that hurt when harvesting! I tend to harvest every Saturday morning but this plant grows SO fast, I think I need to harvest twice a week. The group veggie photo shows the size of today's zucchini - the weekend before, it was probably 4" long. I also love that it grows upright and not sprawling all over the place, taking up too much space in my garden bed. You can see in the other photo that I let one go too long! It made five loaves of zucchini bread LOL
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/30/25Hey Julie,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and photos! We're absolutely thrilled that the Black Beauty Summer Squash is producing so abundantly for you - what a wonderful problem to have! We love hearing that the upright growing habit is working so well in your garden space. Thanks for the chuckle about the one that got away and turned into five loaves of zucchini bread - that's definitely the silver lining of a missed harvest! Your success story will definitely help other gardeners know what to expect from this variety. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Deanna H.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars4/29/251 Star
The germination rate I got on the seeds was like 10%, I had to use the whole packet and still I only have 1 zucchini plant that is really taking off when zucchini is usually easy to grow
BIBotanical Interests4/29/25Hey Deanna,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Greg D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/20/255 Stars
Always get great results with your seeds waiting for spring!!!!
- A B N.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars10/6/241 Star
The black beauty squash seeds germinated but the plant did not produce any squash.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert - Linda W.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars9/28/242 Stars
I bought the summer squash after I was sent an email about them. I purchased right away and planted as soon as I got the seeds. I thought it was a bit late but I was still excited to plant them. I’m getting a few squash but not nearly as many as when I plant in May or June. That’s what’s great about gardening, I learn something new all the time!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate