When to Plant Delicata Squash in Genesee County, NY
Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.
Genesee County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 823 feet, Genesee County receives approximately 44.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.
Genesee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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
Delicata Squash Planting Timeline — Genesee County, NY
Delicata Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
177 days
Growing Tips for Genesee 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
Level Up Your Garden
Delicata Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Delicata Squash in Genesee County, NY?
Genesee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Genesee County, NY?
Genesee County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Genesee County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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