When to Plant Acorn Squash
An acorn squash planting guide covering timing by zone, direct sow vs transplants, spacing, sun, and days to harvest.
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acorn squash winter squash planting timing zones
When to Plant Acorn Squash
Plant acorn squash after the last frost and once soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees F. Acorn squash is a winter squash that usually needs 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest, so it fits more zones than longer-season winter squash. Cold, wet soil still causes seed to rot or stall, so wait for warm ground.
Use the ThriveThyme squash by zone guide for the broader picture. General spring timing is late May to early June in zones 1 to 3, mid to late May in zones 4 to 6, April to May in zones 7 to 8, and earlier spring windows in zones 9 and warmer.
Direct Sow or Transplant
Direct sowing means planting seeds straight in the garden; transplants are young plants started indoors or bought from a nursery. In zones 1 to 4, start seed indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your outdoor date to protect the season. In zones 5 and warmer, direct sowing works well once soil is warm. Handle transplants carefully because the roots dislike being disturbed.
Spacing, Sun, and Depth
- Plant depth: About 1 inch deep.
- Spacing: 24 to 36 inches between plants, with rows or hills wide enough for vines.
- Sun: Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily.
- Water: Deep and steady while fruit is sizing, then ease as fruit hardens on the vine.
Next Steps
Match planting to your last frost and expected first fall frost. Acorn squash usually fits shorter seasons than butternut, but rushing seed into cold soil still costs you weeks of growth.