When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Minnesota
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b (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.
Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar for Minnesota
▸ Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 |
▸ Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
▸ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
▸ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 |
Growing Tips for Minnesota
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.
Squash (Summer) in Other States
- 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
- 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
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Minnesota?
Planting dates for Squash (Summer) in Minnesota depend on your USDA zone. Minnesota spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Minnesota for planting?
Minnesota contains USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. 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.