When to plant winter squash
Winter squash is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–3 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
Winter squash dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Mar 23–30 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | May 4–11 |
| Sow outdoors | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 6 |
| Soil temperature | 65°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 80–110 |
| Spacing | 3–5 ft apart |
Your squash year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Sow outdoors
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for winter squash
- Winter squash must ripen on the vine before frost; count back from your first fall frost.
- Harvest when the rind resists a fingernail, leaving a few inches of stem.
- Cure squash in a warm spot for 10–14 days to improve storage and flavor.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant winter squash in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 13–20 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 8–15 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 16–23 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 19–26 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 13–20 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 16–23 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Apr 7–14 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 14–21 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 18–25 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | May 7–14 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 18–25 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 15–22 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 11–18 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 14–21 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | May 4–11 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 13–20 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | May 5–12 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 11–18 |
Winter squash planting FAQ
When should I plant winter squash?
Winter squash is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–3 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
How many days until winter squash is ready to harvest?
Most squash varieties take about 80–110 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can winter squash survive frost?
No. Winter squash is damaged or killed by a 32°F frost, so wait until after your last frost and cover plants if a late frost is forecast.
How far apart should I plant winter squash?
Space winter squash 3–5 ft apart.
What is the last date I can plant winter squash?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing winter squash
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.