VegetableSquash
Zucchini Black Beauty Squash
Black Beauty zucchini is one of the most prolific summer squash varieties ever grown in home gardens, producing abundantly from planting until frost arrives. These vigorous plants thrive in zones 3 through 13 and reach harvest in just 60 to 69 days, making them reliable producers even in shorter growing seasons. The dark green, slender fruits are most tender and delicious when harvested at 6 to 8 inches long, though they'll happily grow to 18 to 24 inches if left on the plant longer. This open-pollinated, non-GMO cultivar sprawls across a 24 to 30-inch mound in full sun, needing 36 inches of space between plants to spread comfortably.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
30 in
Height
TypeMound
Spacing
36
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-13
Size
30in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Black Beauty zucchini earns its reputation through sheer abundance. The plants produce vigorously and consistently throughout the growing season, delivering tender, dark green fruits at their peak flavor within the critical 6 to 8-inch harvest window. What makes this variety so valuable to home gardeners is not just its productivity, but its forgiving nature; even if you miss a day of harvesting and fruits grow longer, they remain edible and the plants keep producing new ones relentlessly until frost.
Common Uses
Black Beauty zucchini is a summer squash harvested for fresh eating, where the tender young fruits shine in sautés, stir-fries, grilling, and raw applications. The young 6 to 8-inch fruits have the finest texture and flavor, making them preferred for dishes where the zucchini is the star rather than a supporting vegetable. Gardeners often find themselves with abundance during peak season, so it's equally valued for batch cooking, preservation, and sharing with neighbors.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 36 inches apart with 48 inches between rows.
Direct Sow
Direct sow after all frost danger passes and soil has warmed. Sow seeds at the appropriate depth and thin or space as needed.
Harvesting
Harvest Black Beauty zucchini frequently when fruits reach 6 to 8 inches long for the most tender texture and delicious flavor. Check plants every 1 to 2 days during peak season, as fruits grow quickly and can reach 18 to 24 inches if left unharvested even briefly. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut fruits from the vine rather than twisting them off. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new fruits prolifically until frost.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucurbita pepo
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucurbita
Growth Habit
Mound
Native Status
L48 (NI)PR (I)CAN (W)