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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Gulf County, FL

Plant Squash (Winter) in Gulf County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 25. Continue planting through March 18 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Gulf 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.

Gulf County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

At an elevation of 313 feet, Gulf County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. 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.

Gulf County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Gulf County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Gulf County, FL

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 18
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

276 days in Gulf County

Growing Tips for Gulf 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Gulf County, FL?

Gulf County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gulf County, FL?

Gulf County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is November 28.

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Gulf County, FL?

In Gulf County, FL, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around February 25) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gulf County, FL for Squash (Winter)?

Gulf County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Gulf County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Gulf County's temperate climate. Gulf County averages a 277-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 25 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Gulf County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gulf County (Zone 9b). 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 Gulf County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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