Dark Green Zucchini Raven

START SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Zucchini vines need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and both day and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep in groups 1 1/2 feet apart. Thin to 1 seedling per group. Alternatively, plant in slightly mounded hills, 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds in each hill 6 inches apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to the 2 or 3 strongest plants in each hill.

GROWING NOTES

Amend garden soil well with lots of aged manure or compost before sowing. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly; you’ll get more zucchini from two or three well-spaced plants as from more crowded and thus disease prone ones. Covering plants with floating row covers will help prevent squash borers if these pests are a problem in your area.

HARVEST AND USE

Dark green Raven are easy to find and pick. Harvest when young, no larger than 5 inches in length; all zucchini lose flavor and quality with size. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits all season long. Tender-fleshed and delicate, Raven zucchini are scrumptious simply steamed or sliced lengthwise and grilled on the barbecue.