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When to plant Delicata Squash in Davis County, IA

Plant Delicata Squash in Davis County from April 26 to May 17 in spring. Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 19 and first frost on October 16.

When to Plant Delicata Squash in Davis County, IA

Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Davis County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Aug 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Davis County

Growing Tips for Davis County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest when skin is hard and ivory with green stripes. The thin skin does not need peeling. Stores 2-3 months in a cool 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 Delicata Squash in Davis County, IA?

Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Davis County, IA?

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Delicata Squash in Davis County, IA?

In Davis County, IA, plant Delicata Squash after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Delicata Squash?

Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Delicata Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Delicata Squash grow in Davis County's climate?

Yes — Delicata Squash grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Davis County (Zone 5b). 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 Davis County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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