When to plant winter squash in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Start indoors Jan 25 · Sow Mar 1 · First harvest May 20 · Wrap by Jun 10

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 25

Direct sowMar 1

First harvestMay 20

Last harvestJun 10

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 frost-free days. Winter Squash is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 3 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does winter squash take to grow in zone 9b?

Winter Squash matures in about 80–110 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Mar 1 and first picking around May 20.

Will winter squash survive frost in zone 9b?

No — winter squash is frost-sensitive. In zone 9b, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full winter squash growing guide →