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When to Plant Butternut Squash in Camrose, AB

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

Camrose, Alberta is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 2,424 feet, Camrose receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 72°F, so choose short-season varieties of Butternut Squash to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Butternut Squash successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Camrose, AB (Zone 4b) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Camrose Soil Profile

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Camrose, AB

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 16
Direct Sow May 26 May 26 – Jun 16
Harvest September 1 Sep 1 – Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Camrose

Growing Tips for Camrose

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Camrose, AB?

Camrose is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camrose, AB?

Camrose, Alberta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 6.

🌱

Your Camrose Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Camrose (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Camrose, AB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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