'Dark Star' Zucchini
Best reliable producer for home gardeners seeking abundant, easy to grow vegetables.
Bred by Bill Reynolds of Eel River Farms, 'Dark Star' zucchini has become a benchmark for open-pollinated varieties, particularly in organic farming. Its distinctive open canopy allows for easy monitoring of fruit development, preventing overgrowth. This variety boasts a compact bush habit, making it a highly productive choice for farmers with limited space. The plants yield abundantly, producing tender zucchini with deep green skin and a delightful, buttery flavor. Our seeds are sourced from Circadian Organics in Wisconsin, ensuring quality and sustainable production.
$3.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-65%
Below average
Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
/ Cucurbita pepo
Who it's for
- Home gardeners seeking a prolific and reliable vegetable crop.
- Gardeners desiring healthy plants with minimal pest and disease issues.
- Cooks and eaters who appreciate versatile, delicious, and tender vegetables.
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners who might miss daily harvesting opportunities.
- Urban gardeners or those with limited growing area.
- Gardeners in areas prone to specific squash-loving insect infestations.
Performance breakdown
Yield Density
Compact bush habit maximizes output in tight garden footprints.
Harvest Accessibility
Open canopy design makes spotting and picking fruit effortless.
Flavor Profile
Buttery texture and rich taste outperform standard market varieties.
Germination Reliability
High-vigor seeds ensure consistent success for seasonal planting.
Organic Suitability
A proven benchmark for sustainable and chemical-free farming systems.
Growth Manageability
Prevents overgrowth issues common in less refined open-pollinated cultivars.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Origin
Eel River, California
Improvement Status
Cultivar
Seeds per packet
~20
Germination Tested
10/2025
Germination Rate
95%
Life Cycle
Annual
Variety Type
Open-Pollinated
Know before you buy
Unlike many sprawling varieties, 'Dark Star' features an open canopy and a compact bush habit. This makes it easier to spot developing fruit and allows you to grow more plants in a smaller footprint.
Yes, 'Dark Star' is widely considered a gold standard for organic production. The seeds are sourced from Circadian Organics, ensuring they are grown using sustainable, chemical-free practices.
Each packet contains approximately 20 seeds. With a germination rate of 95%, you can expect a high success rate for your planting.
The fruit is known for being particularly tender with a rich, buttery flavor. It is highly regarded for its culinary quality, making it a favorite for both home cooks and market growers.
No, it is specifically bred with a compact bush habit. This makes it an excellent choice for small-scale farms, raised beds, or container gardening where space is limited.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.