---
title: Dark Green Zucchini Squash
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [fruiting-vegetables, heirloom, open-pollinated]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Dark Green Zucchini Squash
## Overview
Traditional reliable zucchini, similar to Black Beauty but earlier (50 days). Dark green, straight, ~8" long. Keeps producing.
- **Category:** Fruiting Vegetables
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated
## Growing Instructions
### Sowing
Start indoors 1 month before last frost in peat pots. Harden 1 week before. Transplant at 65°F soil, rich soil, 8-10' apart in rows 10-12' apart. Direct sow at 70°F: 1/2" deep, 3-4' apart, thin to 8-10'.
### Germination
5-7 days at 65-70°F
### Care
Keep soil moist, avoid wet leaves (rot/mildew).
### Harvest
Best at 4-5". Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated, freezes well.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-6.8, warm, well-drained, rich compost. Heavy feeder.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 4-5 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** None required. Large seeds, direct sow preferred.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 4-8 lbs per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Summer through first frost
- **Note:** One plant feeds 3-4 people
Allow fruit to fully ripen (turns yellow, hard, shriveled). Scoop seeds, ferment 3 days, rinse, dry. Crosses with other squash — isolate ¼ mile or hand-pollinate with bags.
## Pest & Disease
Squash vine borer (wrap stems, Bt), powdery mildew (afternoon sun helps), squash bugs (trap with boards), cucumber beetles. Rotate 3 years.
## Harvest & Preservation
Pick 6-8" for best flavor. Store 1 week refrigerated. Slice and freeze, grill, or dry. Large zucchini for bread.
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **[[provider-green-bush-beans]], corn, [[pickling-cucumber]]** — Squash family shares companions
### Avoid Growing With
- **Potatoes** — Same family (nightshades/solanaceae), share blight disease
### Part of: Three Sisters
- See [[companion-planting]] for full combination details
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]