Raven

Zucchini

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Bush

Velvety, inky-smooth skins in a near-black green—Raven zucchini delivers a striking, glossy look with a tender, fine-grained bite…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 27th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 10th
Harvest Begins	Jul 25th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Peaches and Cream Corn

Blue Hopi Corn

Burgundy Corn Corn

Rainbow Corn Corn

Earth Tones Dent Corn

Butter and Sugar Corn

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common pests or diseases affecting Cucurbita pepo (Raven) and how can I control them?

For Cucurbita pepo, powdery mildew is a frequent problem and often shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves late in the season. Spray affected plants with a targeted fungicide labeled for cucurbits and remove heavily infected leaves to slow spread; also increase airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering. You may also see squash bugs (gray-brown with shield-shaped bodies); hand-pick them early and knock eggs off leaf undersides, then use an insecticide labeled for squash bugs if populations persist.

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

During active vine and fruit growth, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week, delivered in deep soakings. Water at the base of the plant early in the day, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent crown rot and stressed, poorly set fruit. In hot weather, you may need more frequent deep watering (e.g., every 2–3 days) depending on how fast your beds dry.

How do I know when Raven (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 45 days after planting when the fruit skin is fully colored and hard (a fingernail should not easily puncture the rind). The stem should look dry and corky where it attaches to the fruit, and the fruit size should match what you expect for Raven. Cut with pruners leaving a short stem; avoid pulling, which can damage the vine and reduce shelf life.

Velvety, inky-smooth skins in a near-black green—Raven zucchini delivers a striking, glossy look with a tender, fine-grained bite that stays pleasantly mild. Harvest young for the most silky texture, and enjoy its fresh, garden-bright flavor in quick skillet favorites, roasting trays, and creamy sauces where it melts into a smooth, savory body. A compact bush habit keeps plants tidy and productive, making Raven a standout choice for gardeners who want both beauty and dependable performance at about 45 days.

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 compact, container-friendly zucchini, keep soil evenly moist and harvest frequently (every 4–7 days) to maintain tenderness and steady production.