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When to Plant Butternut Squash in Florida

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.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Butternut Squash planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar for Florida

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – May 14
Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – May 14
Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – May 14
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 15
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 13 Jan 13 – Jan 27
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Direct Sow February 10 Feb 10 – Mar 3
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jun 23
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Direct Sow January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 15
Harvest May 3 May 3 – Jun 7

Growing Tips for Florida

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Florida?

Planting dates for Butternut Squash in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.