When to Plant Butternut Squash in Colusa County, CA
Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.
Colusa County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 112 feet, Colusa County receives approximately 29.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.
Colusa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Colusa County, CA
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
267 days
Growing Tips for Colusa County
Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Butternut Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Butternut Squash in Colusa County, CA?
Colusa County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colusa County, CA?
Colusa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Colusa County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.