When to plant zucchini in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Feb 7 · Sow Mar 7 · First harvest Apr 21 · Wrap by Jun 30

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsFeb 7

Direct sowMar 7

First harvestApr 21

Last harvestJun 30

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 frost-free days. Zucchini is frost-sensitive, so the 1w 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 zucchini take to grow in zone 9a?

Zucchini matures in about 45–60 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Mar 7 and first picking around Apr 21.

Will zucchini survive frost in zone 9a?

No — zucchini is frost-sensitive. In zone 9a, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 28) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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