Cucurbita pepo
Origin: Eel River, California
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~20
Germination tested 10/2025: 95%
Life cycle: Annual
Bred by Bill Reynolds of Eel River Farms in California, 'Dark Star' has quickly become the gold standard for open-pollinated zucchini varieties, especially for organic production. Famous for its open canopy — which allows growers to see the developing fruit before they reach baseball-bat proportions — 'Dark Star' has a relatively compact bush habit that has made this a powerhouse producer for small farmers across the country. The plants are productive, and the tender fruit have dark green skin and a delicious buttery flavor.
Our seed was grown by our friends Skye Harnsberger and Dylan Bruce of Circadian Organics in Ferryville, Wisconsin.
GROWING TIPS: Direct-sow after all danger of frost has passed or start in flats a couple weeks earlier. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart for maximum productivity.
