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When to Plant Delicata Squash in Ellis County, OK

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

Ellis County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 968 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 28.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Ellis County, OK (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Ellis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 11

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,364 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Delicata Squash needs ~1,508 GDD — county provides 3,165 GDD Excellent fit

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Ellis County, OK

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Aug 27

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 6b

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Ellis 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 Ellis County, OK?

Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ellis County, OK?

Ellis County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ellis County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Ellis County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.