Dark Star - Zucchini

This large variety has no stinging hairs and is highly resistant to drought. It produces elongated, smooth, dark-green fruits. The flesh is light and tender, with a pleasant flavor.

WHAT ARE THE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE Dark Star zucchini?

The "Dark Star" zucchini, Cucurbita pepo, has a bushy habit and elongated, dark-green fruits measuring 20-30 cm. The flowers can be eaten as a salad or fritter.

SUCCESSFUL SOWING OF Dark Star COURGETTE?

There are two ways to sow Dark Star zucchini seeds:

• You can sow "Dark Star" zucchini seeds in pots between March and April, placing 2 to 3 seeds per bucket. Transplanting takes place 2 to 3 weeks after sowing. To ensure optimum development of the zucchini, seeds should not be sown too early, as this can lead to the formation of fibrous roots. Zucchini seed emergence is facilitated by temperatures of 18 to 20°C, combined with sufficient humidity.
• Dark Star" zucchini can be sown directly in the garden from April to July. Choose a sunny spot and, after the last frosts, sow a few seeds in holes prepared 2 weeks in advance, filled with compost or organic matter and spaced 1 m apart in all directions.

HOW TO GROW Dark Star zucchini?

Transplant zucchini plants in a sunny spot in mid-May, spacing them about 1 m apart in all directions. Make sure they are well watered and composted. Hoe and weed regularly. Install mulch at the base of the plant to preserve soil moisture. Water close to the base during the summer without wetting the leaves.

Add companion plants to encourage flower development while keeping pests at bay. Basil or beans, for example.

WHEN TO HARVEST Dark Star zucchinis?

Dark Star zucchinis are best harvested between May and October. It's best to harvest them while they're still young. Cut them close to the stem rather than pulling them off. Zucchini flowers are also edible.

HOW CAN I STORE DARK STAR COURGETTE?

Freezing is an effective way of storing fresh zucchinis for up to a year. Cook zucchini and place in airtight freezer containers or bags. Lacto-fermentation is also an excellent alternative to the freezer.

WHY DOESN'T MY ZUCCHINI PLANT PRODUCE FLOWERS OR FRUIT?

When a zucchini plant doesn't produce flowers or fruit, there may be several reasons for this.

To ensure good zucchini production, it's important to prevent the negative effects of high temperatures. Poor pollination can also prevent fruit formation. It is therefore advisable to grow several zucchini plants together and attract pollinating insects to ensure good fertilization of the flowers.

how to grow dark star zucchini seeds ?

Here are the steps to making zucchini seeds:

• Choose the most beautiful zucchini plant: the one with the earliest fruit, the one with the most fruit, and so on.

• Let the best zucchini from this plant mature on the ground. They will grow and their skin will thicken.

• Wash the seeds to remove all pulp.

• Let the seeds air-dry on absorbent paper or a plate for about a week.

• Store the dried seeds in a paper bag or airtight container away from light and moisture.

• The seeds are now ready to be used for sowing next year. But they can be stored for several years without any problem.

We've put together a Youtube video on zucchini seed extraction.

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