When to plant summer squash 🎃
Summer Squash takes 45–60 days to mature, spaced 24" apart at 1" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 4 – May 11 | June 1 – June 22 | June 8 – June 22 | July 13 – August 3 |
| Zone 4 | April 24 – May 1 | May 22 – June 12 | May 29 – June 12 | July 3 – July 24 |
| Zone 5 | April 10 – April 17 | May 8 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | June 19 – July 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 25 – April 1 | April 22 – May 13 | April 29 – May 13 | June 3 – June 24 |
| Zone 7 | March 11 – March 18 | April 8 – April 29 | April 15 – April 29 | May 20 – June 10 |
| Zone 8 | February 23 – March 1 | March 22 – April 12 | March 29 – April 12 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Zone 9 | January 25 – February 1 | February 22 – March 14 | February 29 – March 14 | April 4 – April 25 |
| Zone 10 | January 9 – January 16 | February 6 – February 27 | February 13 – February 27 | March 19 – April 9 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized summer squash planting dates
Care tips
- Harvest small for tender skin.
- Watch for squash bugs at the base.
- Rotate planting site each year.
Good companions
Corn, Bean, Nasturtium.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start summer squash seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start summer squash seeds indoors between April 10 and April 17 — that's 2–3 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start summer squash seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start summer squash seeds indoors between March 25 and April 1 — that's 2–3 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start summer squash seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start summer squash seeds indoors between March 11 and March 18 — that's 2–3 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start summer squash seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start summer squash seeds indoors between February 23 and March 1 — that's 2–3 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant summer squash seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant summer squash seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.
How long does summer squash take to grow?▾
Summer Squash typically takes 45–60 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 7–10 weeks after the last spring frost.