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When to plant Butternut Squash in Wright County, MO

In Zone 7a (Wright County), direct-sow Butternut Squash between April 18 and May 9 for spring, after the April 11 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Butternut Squash in Wright County, MO

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 923 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.

Wright County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Wright County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Butternut Squash

Butternut 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 Butternut Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wright County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Wright County, MO

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors 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

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Wright County

Growing Tips for Wright County

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Wright County, MO?

Wright County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wright County, MO?

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Wright County, MO?

In Wright County, MO, plant Butternut Squash after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wright County, MO for Butternut Squash?

Wright County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Butternut Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Butternut Squash grow in Wright County's climate?

Yes — Butternut Squash grows well in Wright County's temperate climate. Wright County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Wright County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wright County (Zone 7a). 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 Wright County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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