When to plant zucchini
Zucchini is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–3 weeks after it; for a fall crop, sow 9–11 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
Zucchini 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 |
| Sow for fall harvest | Aug 8–22 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Aug 25 |
| Soil temperature | 65°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 45–60 |
| Spacing | 24–36 in apart |
Your zucchini year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Sow outdoors
- Sow for fall harvest
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for zucchini
- Two plants feed most households; harvest at 6–8 in long.
- A July sowing often escapes squash vine borers that hit early plantings.
- Early flowers are usually male; fruit starts once female flowers appear.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant zucchini in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 13–20 | Sep 4–18 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 24 – May 1 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 8–15 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 16–23 | Oct 9–23 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 19–26 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 13–20 | Sep 1–15 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 16–23 | Sep 13–27 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Apr 7–14 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | Sep 1–15 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 14–21 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 18–25 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | May 7–14 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 18–25 | Aug 17–31 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 15–22 | Aug 15–29 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 11–18 | Sep 15–29 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 14–21 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | May 4–11 | Aug 8–22 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 13–20 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | May 5–12 | Aug 15–29 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 11–18 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Zucchini planting FAQ
When should I plant zucchini?
Zucchini is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–3 weeks after it; for a fall crop, sow 9–11 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
How many days until zucchini is ready to harvest?
Most zucchini varieties take about 45–60 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can zucchini survive frost?
No. Zucchini 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 zucchini?
Space zucchini 24–36 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant zucchini?
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 zucchini
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.