Squash

Basic Information

Seed Number

71

Seed Name

Squash

Variety

Dark Green Zucchini

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Bush summer squash / zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 21

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 20

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jul 20

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

8–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

50 days

Succession Planting

30 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70°F+

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

24-36 in

Row Spacing

36-60 in

Thin-To Spacing

24-36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 2 in/week; maintain consistent soil moisture during flowering and fruit production

Soil Preference

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil rich in organic matter; approximately pH 6.0-6.5

Minimum Container Size

12+ in container; at least 18 in deep preferred

Plant Height

18-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 45–60 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 7–10+ gal
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Zucchini is productive and worth planting even in early summer.
Zone 6B Notes: Watch for squash bugs and powdery mildew.
Companion Plants: Corn, beans, nasturtiums, marigolds, calendula, radish, borage, sunflowers nearby
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded vines
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Plant after soil and weather are warm, roughly two weeks after the May 5 frost date. A July sowing can provide a later crop if approximately 50 frost-free days remain.
Germination: Ferry-Morse lists 8-10 days to germination. Warm soil above approximately 70°F improves establishment.
Harvest: Harvest frequently while fruits are young, glossy and tender. Frequent picking encourages continued production.
Seed Saving: Dark Green Zucchini is Cucurbita pepo and can cross with other C. pepo squash, pumpkins and ornamental gourds. Isolate or hand-pollinate for true seed.
Special Care: Monitor regularly for squash bugs, squash vine borers and powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering when possible.
Research Source: Ferry-Morse — https://ferrymorse.com/products/organic-squash-dark-green-zucchini — 50-day maturity, 8-10 day germination, 18-24 inch height, full sun, container size and water requirement
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-summer-squash-and-zucchini — summer squash planting, spacing and warm-season culture
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]