{"product_id":"black-beauty-zucchini","title":"Black Beauty Zucchini","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic summer squash variety celebrated for its high productivity and versatility in the kitchen. The glossy, dark green fruits are mild and tender, making them perfect for grilling, baking, sautés, or even spiralising into zucchini noodles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bush-type zucchini is compact yet vigorous, producing a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Its reliable performance makes it a must-have for gardeners of all experience levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow Black Beauty Zucchini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Beauty Zucchini thrives in Zones 3-9 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for traditional garden beds, raised beds, or large containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZucchini originated in Central America and was later cultivated extensively in Italy, where it gained its name and popularity. Black Beauty, developed in the early 20th century, remains a favourite for its excellent yields, rich flavour, and versatility in a wide range of recipes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow seeds in early spring for a summer harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in late spring or sow directly after the last frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds directly after the last frost or start indoors to extend the growing season.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Black Beauty Zucchini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep and 60-90cm (24-36in) apart in well-drained soil. Thin seedlings as needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when they are 15-20cm (6-8in) long for the best flavour and texture. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow Fruits to Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave one or two fruits on the plant until they are fully mature and hard, with a dull surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut the mature fruit open and scoop out the seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean and Dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp, then spread them on a clean towel or screen to dry completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 4 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811188355314,"sku":"MF-SQUASH-001","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/BlackBeautyZuchinni.jpg?v=1772481900","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/black-beauty-zucchini","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}