Delicata Squash Planting Guide
Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.
Cucurbita pepo var. pepo · Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family · 80–100 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Delicata Squash?
Delicata Squash Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Delicata Squash planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | Aug 23 – Sep 27 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | May 2 | May 9 | Aug 1 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jul 25 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 18 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 28 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | May 12 – Jun 16 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Apr 26 – May 31 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 11b
Growing Tips
Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest when skin is hard and ivory with green stripes. The thin skin does not need peeling. Stores 2-3 months in a cool place.
Saving Delicata Squash Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Delicata Squash by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Delicata Squash?
Delicata Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. pepo) takes 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Delicata Squash grow in?
Delicata Squash can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Delicata Squash need?
Growing Delicata Squash requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.