When to Plant Butternut Squash in Colorado County, TX
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.
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 87 feet, Colorado County receives approximately 70.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Butternut Squash, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Butternut Squash root diseases.
Colorado County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.8
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
Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Colorado County, TX
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
281 days
Growing Tips for Colorado 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 Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Colorado County gardeners in Zone 8b 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.