When to plant Hubbard Squash in Alachua County, FL
Aim to plant Hubbard Squash in Alachua County on or after February 23; the window stays open through March 16. Alachua County's 278-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.
When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Alachua County, FL
Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Hubbard Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Hubbard Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Hubbard Squash
Hubbard Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Hubbard Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Alachua County
Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Alachua County, FL?
In Alachua County, FL, plant Hubbard Squash after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Hubbard Squash?
Alachua County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Hubbard Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Hubbard Squash grow in Alachua County's climate?
Yes — Hubbard Squash grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.