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When to Plant Delicata Squash in Union County, IN

Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.

Union County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Union County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Union County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Aug 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 4 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Sep 19

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 773 gal / 100 sq ft
Delicata Squash needs ~1,575 GDD — county provides 3,062 GDD Excellent fit

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, IN

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Sep 5

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

80โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

175 days

Growing Tips for Union County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Delicata Squash in Union County, IN?

Union County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, IN?

Union County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Union County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.