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When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Willacy County, TX

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.

Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Willacy County receives approximately 65.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Hubbard Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Hubbard Squash root diseases.

Willacy County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 4
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 22

Willacy County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (186 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 24 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jun 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (174 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 7 Transplant: Feb 11 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 29

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,515 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Hubbard Squash needs ~2,915 GDD — county provides 8,533 GDD Excellent fit

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Willacy County, TX

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 โ€“ Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Direct Sow February 4 Feb 4 โ€“ Feb 25
Harvest May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jul 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

100โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 9b

Growing Season

321 days

Growing Tips for Willacy County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Willacy County, TX?

Willacy County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Willacy County, TX?

Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Willacy County gardeners in Zone 9b 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 Willacy County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.