Blog

When to Plant Delicata Squash in Wright County, MO

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

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 923 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Wright County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Wright County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Aug 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 5

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 619 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Delicata Squash needs ~1,305 GDD — county provides 2,813 GDD Excellent fit

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Wright County, MO

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 9
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

194 days

Growing Tips for Wright 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 Wright County, MO?

Wright County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wright County, MO?

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wright County gardeners in Zone 6a 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.

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