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When to plant Acorn Squash in Hamilton County, FL

In Zone 9a (Hamilton County), direct-sow Acorn Squash between March 4 and March 25 for spring, after the March 4 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Acorn Squash in Hamilton County, FL

Acorn squash is a small winter squash with dark green, ribbed skin and mildly sweet orange flesh. It is perfect for stuffing and roasting as individual servings.

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Acorn Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.

Hamilton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, FL

Acorn Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton County

Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when the ground spot turns orange and the skin is hard. Acorn squash has a shorter storage life than butternut, lasting about 2 months.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Hamilton County, FL?

In Hamilton County, FL, plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, FL for Acorn Squash?

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

Can Acorn Squash grow in Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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.

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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 Hamilton County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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