Squash (Summer) Planting Guide
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Cucurbita pepo · Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family · 45–65 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Squash (Summer)?
Squash (Summer) Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Squash (Summer) planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | May 2 | May 9 | Jun 27 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jun 20 – Aug 22 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 18 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 10 – Jul 12 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 28 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Mar 22 – May 24 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 11b
Growing Tips
Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest frequently when fruits are 6-8 inches for best texture. Check plants daily as they grow rapidly in summer heat.
Saving Squash (Summer) 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
Squash (Summer) by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Squash (Summer)?
Squash (Summer) (Cucurbita pepo) takes 45 to 65 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Squash (Summer) grow in?
Squash (Summer) can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Squash (Summer) need?
Growing Squash (Summer) requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.