SQUASH Seeds, Black Beauty

Black Beauty (Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty') is a classic heirloom zucchini producing glossy, dark-green summer squash with tender, mild flesh. A reliable, high-yielding bush variety for small and large gardens alike.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated summer squash (zucchini)
• Days to maturity: about 50 to 65 days
• Habit: compact bush
• Sun: Full sun
• Spacing: 24 to 36 inches apart
• Planting depth: 1 inch

Best for

• Grilling and sauteing
• Baking and zucchini bread
• Soups, stews, and stir-fries
• Spiralizing into noodles
• Container and small-space growing

How to grow

Direct sow 1 inch deep in warm soil after the last frost. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and water consistently. Harvest fruit young at 6 to 8 inches for the best texture, and pick often to keep the plants producing all season.

Flavor profile

Mild and slightly nutty with tender skin and flesh when picked young.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.