Zucchini Blackjack - Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini Blackjack - Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini Blackjack is a popular and productive variety producing smooth, dark green fruits with creamy white flesh. The fruits have a mild, tender flavour and are delicious eaten raw, lightly blanched, grilled or added to stir fries. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing throughout the growing season.

Packet Quantity: 15 seeds

Planting Instructions

Sowing Time:
Spring and Summer. In warmer areas, sowing can extend into early Autumn while conditions remain warm.

Position:
Full sun. Choose a warm, sheltered position with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation.

Soil:
Rich, fertile and well drained soil. Prepare the soil with plenty of compost or well rotted manure and a complete fertiliser before planting.

Sowing Depth:
12 mm

Spacing:
90 cm between plants and 90 cm between rows.

Germination Time:
6 to 10 days.

Harvest Time:
Approximately 8 weeks from sowing. Harvest fruits when they are around 15 cm long.

Growing Tips

Sow directly into the final growing position once the soil has warmed. Sow 2 to 3 seeds together, then thin to the strongest 1 or 2 seedlings once they are established.

Prepare the soil well before planting by incorporating plenty of organic matter and a complete fertiliser. Zucchini are heavy feeders and produce best when grown in fertile soil.

Keep plants consistently well watered throughout the growing season, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply around the base of the plant and avoid allowing the soil to dry out for extended periods.

Pinch out the growing tips at the 5 to 6 leaf stage to encourage the development of side shoots and a more productive plant.

Harvest zucchini regularly while the fruits are young and tender, ideally around 15 cm long. Check plants frequently as zucchini can grow very quickly in warm weather.

Cut the fruits from the plant rather than pulling them, taking care not to damage the main stems. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

The large yellow flowers are also edible and can be harvested for cooking, particularly when picked early in the morning.