Matures in 60 days. The standard summer squash was introduced in the 1920s. Plants are productive very early and produce until feeze-up if kept picked.  Best eaten when under 20cm. Black Beauty zucchini seeds are a great variety for freezing. Black Beauty zucchini is a 20th Century heirloom that won the All-American Selections prize back in 1957. It was first introduced to American market growers in the 1920s. Direct sow or transplant in late May or early June when the soil is warm. For transplants, start seeds indoors in late April or early May. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 25-35°C. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.