Dark Star

Zucchini

Zone 3b Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Bush

Velvety, inky-dark fruit with a near-black sheen—Dark Star zucchini delivers a striking look and a tender, pleasantly crisp bite.…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 2nd
Harvest Begins	Jul 17th
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest problem on Cucurbita pepo (e.g., Dark Star) and how do I control it?

Cucumber beetles (striped/spotted) commonly damage Cucurbita pepo and can spread bacterial wilt early in the season. Use row cover immediately after sowing until flowering to block adults, then scout twice a week and hand-remove beetles when numbers are low. If you see wilting plants or heavy beetle feeding, treat promptly with a labeled insecticide for cucumber beetles and remove any severely wilted plants to slow spread.

How often should I water Cucurbita pepo during the main growing phase?

During active vine growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into 1–2 deep irrigations. Water at the base in the morning and avoid wetting leaves, especially in warm weather, to reduce powdery mildew risk. If the top 1 inch of soil is dry, water again; if the soil stays wet or plants look stressed with yellowing, reduce frequency.

How can I tell when my Dark Star (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit is fully sized and the skin is hard enough that it won’t easily dent with a fingernail, typically around 45 days from sowing (check your seed packet for exact timing). The stem should look dry and corky where it attaches to the fruit—cut with a short stem using clean pruners. If you can press the rind and it gives easily, leave it a bit longer on the vine.

Velvety, inky-dark fruit with a near-black sheen—Dark Star zucchini delivers a striking look and a tender, pleasantly crisp bite. The flesh stays fine-grained and mild, making these slender, club-shaped squashes ideal for quick skillet-style roasting, fresh slicing, and vibrant sauces; they also shine when pickled for tangy, garden-bright flavor. Grow Dark Star for a steady harvest that turns your beds into a glossy, productive display from day 45 onward.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best results, direct-sow or transplant small starts only into consistently warm soil, then mulch to keep moisture steady during establishment.