When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Hillsborough County, FL
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Hillsborough County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 63 feet, Hillsborough County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Squash (Winter) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Winter) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.
Hillsborough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Hillsborough County, FL
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| 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 | April 26 | Apr 26 – Jun 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
329 days
Growing Tips for Hillsborough County
Direct sow after last frost on rich mounds. Allow ample space for sprawling vines. Cure harvested fruits in the sun for 10 days before storing in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Hillsborough County, FL?
Hillsborough County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hillsborough County, FL?
Hillsborough County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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