Zucchini · Round

Eight Ball Zucchini

Bush · Cucurbitaceae

Eight Ball is the classic round zucchini bred for stuffing, with glossy dark green fruits that stay tender when picked baseball-sized or smaller. It is an All-America Selections winner with compact bush growth, making it a smart beginner squash for raised beds and small gardens.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

45–55 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours

Spacing

24–36 "

Seed Start

2–3 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

10+ gallon pot

Height

1.5–2.5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 4–10 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 1"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 5 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Fertile, moisture-retentive loam with compost and good drainage.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

powdery-mildew

Cause: Crowded foliage and humid weather encourage late-season mildew.

Prevention: Space well, water at the base, and remove infected leaves early.

squash-vine-borer

Cause: Larvae can hollow stems and collapse plants in susceptible regions.

Prevention: Use row covers before bloom, scout stems, and succession sow if pressure is high.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Pick fruits at 3 to 4 inches across while skin is glossy and seeds are still tiny for the best stuffing size.

Expected Yield 6–12 lbs/plant

Storage 7 days — Refrigerate unwashed fruit in a bag or crisper drawer.

Sources

seed_catalog Gowan Seed university University of Minnesota Extension

More Zucchinis

Eight Ball Zucchini Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Eight Ball Zucchini vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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