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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Florida

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Squash (Summer) planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar for Florida

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest February 26 Feb 26 – Apr 30
Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest February 26 Feb 26 – Apr 30
Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest February 26 Feb 26 – Apr 30
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jul 1
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 13 Jan 13 – Jan 27
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Direct Sow February 10 Feb 10 – Mar 3
Harvest April 7 Apr 7 – Jun 9
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Direct Sow January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 15
Harvest March 22 Mar 22 – May 24

Growing Tips for Florida

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Florida?

Planting dates for Squash (Summer) in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.