Hubbard Squash Planting Guide
Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.
Cucurbita maxima · Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family · 100–120 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Hubbard Squash Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Hubbard Squash?
Hubbard Squash Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Hubbard Squash planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | May 2 | May 9 | Aug 22 – Sep 26 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 15 – Sep 19 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 18 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 28 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | May 17 – Jun 21 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 23 – May 28 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 23 – May 28 |
How to Plant Hubbard Squash
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Cucurbitaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Cucurbitaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Hubbard Squash to Grow
Hubbard Squash takes 100–120 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Hubbard Squash
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash
Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.
Saving Hubbard Squash Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Hubbard Squash by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Hubbard Squash?
Hubbard Squash (Cucurbita maxima) takes 100 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Hubbard Squash grow in?
Hubbard Squash can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Hubbard Squash need?
Growing Hubbard Squash requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.