When to plant Zucchini in Saint Augustine, FL
Plant Zucchini in Saint Augustine, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 9. Continue planting through March 2 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Zucchini in Saint Augustine, FL
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June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Johns County, Florida.
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It's harvest week for zucchini
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Zucchini is an incredibly prolific summer squash that can produce an abundance of fruit from just a few plants. It is versatile in the kitchen from grilling to baking.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Zucchini may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Zucchini will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Zucchini root diseases.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Zucchini 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.
Soil Compatibility in Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Zucchini prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Zucchini will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Zucchini.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
Zucchini Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Zucchini
Zucchini needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Zucchini Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.2" | 2.4" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 5.2" | 2.8" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 2.8" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 5.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 5.2" | 4.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 2.1" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 5.2" | 2.3" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Zucchini Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Saint Augustine, FL
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – Jun 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Zucchini with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in St. Johns County, provide afternoon shade for Zucchini and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 297.0-day season in St. Johns County allows multiple plantings of Zucchini. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Zucchini in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor and texture. Check plants daily in summer as fruits can double in size overnight.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Zucchini in Other Locations
When should I plant Zucchini in Saint Augustine, FL?
In Saint Augustine, FL, plant Zucchini after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, FL for Zucchini?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Zucchini grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Zucchini grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Zucchini grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns 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.