What hardiness zones is Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' suitable for?

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b.

What are the sun requirements for Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty'?

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' requires full sun.

How much water does Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' need?

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' has moderate to high water needs.

Annuals

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty'

Black Beauty Zucchini

CucurbitaceaeNorth America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitcompact bushy

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

Zone 10a

Zone 10b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' is a compact, bush-type summer squash cultivar prized for its prolific production of dark green zucchini fruits. This annual vegetable forms a dense, non-vining plant with large, deeply lobed leaves that are medium to dark green with distinctive silver-white mottling along the veins. The sturdy stems are thick and hollow, supporting the plant's vigorous growth habit. The cultivar produces bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that are monoecious, with separate male and female blooms on the same plant. Female flowers develop into the characteristic cylindrical fruits that are harvested when young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long. The fruits have a glossy, dark green skin that is nearly black in appearance, giving this cultivar its distinctive name. Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' is particularly valued for its early maturity, consistent fruit shape, and excellent flavor when harvested at the proper stage.

Native Range

Cucurbita pepo is native to North America, specifically originating in the regions of Mexico and Central America where it was first domesticated by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. The species has been cultivated and bred into numerous varieties, with 'Black Beauty' being a modern cultivar developed for improved garden performance.

Suggested Uses

vegetable gardens, raised beds, container gardening, small space gardens, succession planting

How to Identify

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' can be identified by its compact, bushy growth habit without trailing vines, distinguishing it from vining squash varieties. The large, palmately lobed leaves show characteristic silver-white veining patterns against dark green foliage. Key identifying features include the thick, hollow stems, large yellow flowers with five pointed petals, and the distinctive glossy, dark green to nearly black cylindrical fruits. Unlike other zucchini varieties, the fruits of 'Black Beauty' maintain their dark coloration even when young, and the plant typically remains under 3 feet in spread, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

SummerFall

mid-summer through fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

dark green with silver-white veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

45-55 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with deep watering 1-2 times per week providing approximately 1-2 inches of water weekly. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when flowering begins. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem base to prevent rot. Monitor regularly for common pests such as squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and squash vine borers. Harvest fruits when they are 6-8 inches long and the skin can still be easily punctured with a fingernail for best flavor and texture.

Pruning

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' typically does not require pruning due to its compact, bush-type growth habit. Remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves promptly to maintain plant health and improve air circulation. Harvest zucchini fruits regularly every 2-3 days to encourage continued production, as leaving mature fruits on the plant will reduce overall yield. If growing in very humid conditions, selective removal of some lower leaves can improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' fruits, flowers, and seeds are edible and non-toxic to humans and pets. The large leaves and stems are generally safe but may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities due to their coarse texture and potential for harboring bacteria.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F

Days to Maturity

45–55 days

Plant Spacing

36 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

nasturtiums

radishes

beans

corn

marigolds

herbs

Avoid Planting With

potatoes

fennel

melons