Blog

When to Plant Butternut Squash in Laval, QC

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.

Laval, Quebec is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 98 feet, Laval receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly gray-brown podzol soil. Summer highs average 79ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Butternut Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Laval, QC (Zone 6b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Laval Soil Profile

Soil Type

Gray-Brown Podzol

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Laval). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Laval, QC

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 โ€“ Aug 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

85โ€“110 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

187 days in Laval

Growing Tips for Laval

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 Laval, QC?

Laval is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Laval, QC?

Laval, Quebec is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Laval gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Laval, QC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.