Growing winter squash: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant winter squash in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Winter squash: warm-season, will not take a frost. Plant when soil reaches 70–90°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): seed May 1 – May 22. First picking around August 16 – September 13.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): seed April 15 – May 6. First picking around July 31 – August 28.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): seed March 22 – April 12. First picking around July 7 – August 4.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): seed March 4 – March 25. First picking around June 19 – July 17.
Setting it up
Direct-seed in the field. Space plants 36 inches apart in rows 72 inches apart, about 1 inch deep. Expect roughly 100 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Cure fruit at 80–85°F for 10 days after harvest to extend storage. Plant early enough to mature before first frost.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: challenging — Winter squash needs a long season and this zone averages just 167 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Winter squash is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Winter squash is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: excellent — Winter squash is well suited to Zone 9a. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.