Organic 'Black Beauty' Zucchini
identification
description
Organic 'Black Beauty' courgette (Cucurbita pepo) from McKenzie Seed Company, a classic, highly productive variety with tender and flavorful flesh
The 'Black Beauty' courgette is an essential heritage variety in the vegetable garden, renowned for its high productivity , vigor , and exceptional fruit quality. The plants, with a semi-upright and open habit, produce abundant very dark green to glossy black courgettes, measuring on average 15 to 20 cm long and about 5 cm in diameter .
The flesh is white, firm, and creamy , yet very tender , with a sweet and delicate flavor. Harvested young, the skin remains thin and appealing, making this variety perfect for eating fresh , quick cooking , or summer dishes. A winner of the All-America Selections (AAS) , 'Black Beauty' is a reliable choice for the home garden , appreciated by both novice and experienced gardeners.
The abundant flowering attracts bees and pollinators , contributing to good fruit set and the overall vitality of the vegetable garden.
Companion plants: Oregano, Nasturtium, Zinnia
Nefarious plants: Potato, Fennel
Spread/Habit: Semi-upright bushy
Plant width: 60 to 90 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 10 to 12 seeds
Special features: Very productive , early harvest , tender flesh , dark skin , attracts pollinators
Fruit color: Very dark green to glossy black
Texture/flavor: Tender , creamy flesh , mild flavor
Heat tolerance: Good, likes hot summers
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 18 and 21°C . Choose a sunny location (level 3) and rich, loose, well-drained soil.
Form mounds spaced 1.5 to 1.8 m apart, then sow 2 to 3 seeds per mound at a depth of approximately 2.5 cm . Lightly firm the soil, cover, and water gently to maintain consistent moisture during germination, which typically occurs in 5 to 12 days .
Once the plants are well established, thin them out, leaving only the strongest plant per mound. Regular watering, equivalent to about 5 cm of water per week , is essential to support continuous production and prevent the fruit from becoming bitter.
For cooler regions, seedlings can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost , then transplanted after gradual hardening .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting begins approximately 52 days after sowing . Pick the young fruits, when they are 15 to 20 cm long, to maintain optimal texture and encourage continuous production. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce new fruit throughout the season.
Courgettes can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator, but are best eaten fresh .
Usage ideas
• Steaming or sautéing
• Grilling and roasting
• Ratatouille and stews
• Stuffed courgettes
• Sliced raw in salad
The organic 'Black Beauty' zucchini from McKenzie Seeds is a reliable, productive, and flavorful variety, ideal for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow , generous, and versatile zucchini. A true classic in the vegetable garden, as enjoyable to grow as it is to eat.
