{"product_id":"zucchini-blackjack-cucurbita-pepo","title":"Zucchini Blackjack - Cucurbita pepo","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZucchini Blackjack - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZucchini 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePacket Quantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpring and Summer. In warmer areas, sowing can extend into early Autumn while conditions remain warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull sun. Choose a warm, sheltered position with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRich, fertile and well drained soil. Prepare the soil with plenty of compost or well rotted manure and a complete fertiliser before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e12 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e90 cm between plants and 90 cm between rows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6 to 10 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApproximately 8 weeks from sowing. Harvest fruits when they are around 15 cm long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepare 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinch out the growing tips at the 5 to 6 leaf stage to encourage the development of side shoots and a more productive plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut the fruits from the plant rather than pulling them, taking care not to damage the main stems. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large yellow flowers are also edible and can be harvested for cooking, particularly when picked early in the morning.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SHOP SEEDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54049359462714,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0766\/3245\/7530\/files\/zucchini-blackjack-cucurbita-pepo-3072078.png?v=1789259286","url":"https:\/\/www.shopseeds.com.au\/products\/zucchini-blackjack-cucurbita-pepo","provider":"SHOP SEEDS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}