(C. pepo) Market growers take note. Here is a zuke to rival all the corporate-owned hybrids currently hijacking the zucchini market. Bred by Bill Reynolds of Eel River Produce in Northern CA & John Navazio from a cross between an old OP and Raven, a dark green hybrid from the 90's, Dark Star was selected in part for vigorous root growth to excel in dry farming conditions. What struck us, though, is the quality of the fruit. It, by far, is the most refined OP zuke we’ve seen, with very uniform, long, dark green, angular fruit. While not as productive at its peak as some (though certainly no slouch), it sustained its productivity over a longer period than others we’ve grown. Open habit makes it easy to pick and a sparser leaf architecture allows you to avoid potentially scratching up the fruit while harvesting. Recommended for the home garden or by the acre. The best OP standard zuke on the market. During the freakish frosts in Baja in the winter of 2011, Dark Star was likely the only organic zucchini in grocery stores in North America. Just a degree or two more cold hardiness kept it alive amidst a sea of frost-killed neighboring fields.
50-55 days. UO

Packet: 25 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist before emergence, growing at 70F.

Transplant out 1-3 weeks after your last frost date when the soil has sufficiently warmed.

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil is 70F+.

Note: Even, deep watering keeps these plants thriving.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/2"-1"

SPACING:

18-24" at 5' between rows.

EMERGENCE:

3-7 days @ soil temp 65-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Medium. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist, and well-balanced fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Be gentle while transplanting to keep the root system undisturbed.

Row cover may be used to provide extra warmth, possible earlier fruit set, and prevent cucumber beetle damage. Remove as plants begin to flower.

Plant every 2-3 weeks for production.

Harvest regularly to prolong fruiting and maximize yields.

Zucchini, 'Dark Star'