Zucchini: Dark Star

CERTIFIED ORGANIC SEED · OPEN-POLLINATED
1 packet (25 seeds)

Cucurbita pepo | 50–60 days

Dark Star is a modern, open-pollinated zucchini bred specifically to deliver the uniformity, productivity, and resilience of top hybrids—without hybrid seed dependence. When farmers Bill Reynolds and Donna Ferguson learned their favorite zucchini was no longer commercially available, they set out to develop a reliable organic replacement. With support from the Organic Seed Alliance and master breeder Dr. John Navazio, Dark Star emerged from a six-year breeding project focused on real-world farm and garden performance. Dark Star was born.

This variety produces uniform, dark-green fruits on plants with an open growth habit for easy harvesting. Dark Star is early, high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and shows strong disease and pest resistance, making it a dependable choice for home gardeners and market growers alike.

Why gardeners love this zucchini

• Open-pollinated, organic alternative to hybrid zucchini

• Uniform, dark-green fruits with excellent quality

• Open plant habit for easy harvest

• Early and extended production

• High yields with strong drought, disease, and pest resistance

Best use: Fresh eating, grilling, sautéing, baking, market sales
Growth habit: Bush with open structure
Good for: Home gardens, market growers, organic systems
Not ideal for: Those seeking vining or novelty zucchini types

Growing Notes

Direct sow or transplant after danger of frost when soil is warm. Sow seeds ½” deep in soil temperatures of 70–85°F. Average days to germination: 6–10 days.

Space plants 36″ apart in rows 5–6 feet apart. Grow in full sun with moderate water.

Days to maturity: 50–60 days.