When to plant zucchini / squash
Short answer
Plant zucchini / squash about 1 weeks after your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 22, starting seeds indoors about Mar 25. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Mar 13 |
| Zone 2 | Jan 25 | Feb 22 | Apr 13 |
| Zone 3 | Feb 17 | Mar 17 | May 6 |
| Zone 4 | Mar 9 | Apr 6 | May 26 |
| Zone 5 | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 9 | May 7 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 24 | May 22 | Jul 11 |
| Zone 8 | May 11 | Jun 8 | Jul 28 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Zucchini / squash is a tender crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant zucchini / squash?
Plant zucchini / squash about 1 weeks after your last spring frost, once the soil warms. That's around Apr 6 in zone 4 and May 7 in zone 6.
When do I start zucchini / squash seeds indoors?
Start zucchini / squash seeds indoors about 3 weeks before your last frost, then transplant after the frost passes. That's roughly Apr 9 in zone 6.
How long until zucchini / squash is ready to harvest?
About 50 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around May 7 are typically ready near Jun 26.