When to plant winter squash in Florida
Florida’s average last spring frost is February 12, and the first fall frost typically arrives around December 10 — about 301 frost-free days (USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a). Winter Squash needs 80–110 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Florida's growing season.
Florida covers a wide range of climates, so your exact frost dates may differ from the state average by two weeks or more. For dates tuned to your town, use the calendar generator.
When to plant winter squash in Florida: the short answer
For a spring planting, plant out Feb 12 – Mar 1, with seeds started indoors Jan 15 – Jan 29. Wait until the soil is at least 60°F and frost is over.
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow winter squash in Florida, step by step
- Start seeds indoors (Jan 15 – Jan 29). Sow seeds 1 inch deep in seed-starting mix under bright light. They take 5-10 days to sprout, fastest in soil around 85°F. Harden seedlings off for a week before they go outside.
- Prepare the bed. It needs at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day and loose soil at least 18 inches deep, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Plant out (Feb 12 – Mar 1). Space plants about 42 inches apart in rows 72 inches apart. It is killed by frost, so nothing goes outside until the danger has passed.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: squash vine borer, squash bug, striped cucumber beetle. Diseases and disorders: powdery mildew, bacterial wilt.
- Harvest (from about May 10 – Jun 9). Winter Squash takes 80-110 days to reach harvest. Needs the whole season - direct sow only where you have 100+ frost-free days. Cure 10 days in warmth after harvest for storage.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use Florida’s average frost dates. More in the full winter squash growing guide.
Winter Squash planting dates by USDA zone in Florida
Florida spans USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average, so the winter squash dates shift with them.
When to plant winter squash in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Plant out |
|---|---|---|
| Florida (this page) | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 1 |
| Alabama | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 11 |
| Mississippi | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 6 |
| Louisiana | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 22 |
| Arkansas | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
Questions gardeners in Florida ask
When is the best time to plant winter squash in Florida?
Plant winter squash transplants outdoors in Florida between February 12 and March 1. That timing is set by Florida's average last spring frost of February 12; Florida spans several climates, so cooler and higher parts of the state run later.
When should I start winter squash seeds indoors in Florida?
Start seeds indoors between January 15 and January 29, about 3 weeks before the last frost, so the seedlings are ready to plant out from February 12.
What is the latest I can plant winter squash in Florida?
About September 21. Winter squash needs at least 80 days to mature, and frost around December 10 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short.
When will winter squash planted in Florida be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, winter squash is usually ready from about May 10 to June 9, 80-110 days after planting.
When is the last frost in Florida?
On average around February 12, with the first fall frost around December 10 - about 301 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.