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When to Plant Delicata Squash in Pawnee 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.

Pawnee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 621 feet, Pawnee County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Pawnee County, OK (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Pawnee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (64 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Aug 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 762 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 3,333 GDD Excellent fit

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Pawnee County, OK

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 7
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 20

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 7a

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Pawnee 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 Pawnee County, OK?

Pawnee County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pawnee County, OK?

Pawnee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pawnee County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Pawnee County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.