How to Grow Squash
Get Your Exact Squash Planting Dates
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Your Squash dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
Spacing
4 ft apart
Depth
1" deep
Height
24-36"
Germination
7-14 days
Ready to Grow Squash?
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Common Squash Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Butternut
Tan, pear-shaped winter squash with sweet, orange flesh; the most popular for soups.
Acorn
Small, dark green ribbed squash with dense, mild flesh; ideal for stuffing and baking halves.
Delicata
Striped cream-and-green oblong squash with very sweet, fine-grained flesh; edible skin.
Spaghetti Squash
Pale yellow squash whose cooked flesh pulls into spaghetti-like strands; low-carb pasta substitute.
Hubbard
Large, knobby, blue-gray heirloom winter squash with sweet, dense orange flesh.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow squash to fully mature and cure for 1 month before extracting seeds.
Processing
Scoop seeds, wash off flesh, dry flat for 2 weeks.
Seed Viability
Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Squash cross within the same species. Hand-pollinate early in the morning for guaranteed purity.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 2 plants of Squash. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Squash Planting Calendar by Zone
Squash Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash? +
Sow Squash seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Squash take to grow? +
Squash typically matures in about 90 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Squash indoors or direct sow? +
Squash does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Squash need? +
Squash requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Squash? +
Space Squash plants 48 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Squash need? +
Squash has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Squash? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Squash is rated moderate. Allow squash to fully mature and cure for 1 month before extracting seeds. Scoop seeds, wash off flesh, dry flat for 2 weeks.
How long do Squash seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Squash seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Squash seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Squash is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Squash
Winter squash stores for months. Harvest when stem is dry and skin is hard.
Expect your Squash to be ready for harvest in approximately 90 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.