When to plant winter squash

Winter squash (warm-season vine crop) is classed very tender in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Start seeds indoors2–1 weeks before the median last spring freezeSow in pots 3–4 weeks before the outdoor window opens (UNH 3–4 weeks; Missouri G6570 3–5 weeks).
Transplant outdoors2–4 weeks after the median last spring freezeUNH: set out 2 weeks after last frost; Purdue very-tender class agrees.
Direct-sow outdoors2–4 weeks after the median last spring freezePurdue: very tender — at least two weeks after the average last frost; Penn State earliest sowing May 15 (+14 days) agrees.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 95°F (optimum range 70–95°F); minimum 60°F, maximum 100°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3 (Purdue lists a single 'Squash' row.). Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average butternut/acorn-type variety (about 90–110 days; Penn State lists 90). Fruit must mature before fall frost.

Crop rule sources (4)
Reviewed city pages for winter squash
Related crops

Cucumbers · Melons & cantaloupe · Pumpkins · Summer squash & zucchini · Watermelon · Basil