When to plant winter squash 🎃
Winter Squash takes 85–110 days to mature, spaced 36" 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 15 | June 8 – June 22 | August 31 – September 28 |
| Zone 4 | April 24 – May 1 | May 22 – June 5 | May 29 – June 12 | August 21 – September 18 |
| Zone 5 | April 10 – April 17 | May 8 – May 22 | May 15 – May 29 | August 7 – September 4 |
| Zone 6 | March 25 – April 1 | April 22 – May 6 | April 29 – May 13 | July 22 – August 19 |
| Zone 7 | March 11 – March 18 | April 8 – April 22 | April 15 – April 29 | July 8 – August 5 |
| Zone 8 | February 23 – March 1 | March 22 – April 5 | March 29 – April 12 | June 21 – July 19 |
| Zone 9 | January 25 – February 1 | February 22 – March 7 | February 29 – March 14 | May 23 – June 20 |
| Zone 10 | January 9 – January 16 | February 6 – February 20 | February 13 – February 27 | May 7 – June 4 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized winter squash planting dates
Care tips
- Cure in the sun for 7–10 days before storing.
- Needs plenty of room — train vines or grow in hills.
- Harvest before first hard frost.
Good companions
Corn, Bean.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your winter squash harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start winter squash seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start winter 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 winter squash seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start winter 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 winter squash seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start winter 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 winter squash seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start winter 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 winter squash seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant winter 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 winter squash take to grow?▾
Winter Squash typically takes 85–110 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 14–18 weeks after the last spring frost.