Butternut Squash Planting Guide
Sweet, nutty winter squash with tan skin and rich orange flesh
Flavor notes: Sweet, dense, and nutty winter squash.
Variety notes: Longer-season winter squash with excellent storage.
Best Time and Place to Plant Squash
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Butternut Squash in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Varies |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Varies |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 36 inches apart, 60 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Deep water once weekly; reduce as fruit matures
- Days to harvest: 110
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 4 inches worked in before planting
- Kelp Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft monthly
Companion Plants
- Corn
- Beans
- Nasturtium
- Radish
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Fennel
Harvest Signs
- Skin turns from green-streaked to solid tan/beige
- Thumbnail cannot easily pierce the skin
- Stem turns brown and begins to dry
- Hollow sound when tapped lightly
FAQs
When should I plant Squash?
Squash planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Squash?
The best time of year to plant Squash is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Squash?
Plant Butternut Squash in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Squash?
Plant Squash about 36 inches apart, with rows around 60 inches apart.
What grows well with Squash?
Squash is commonly paired with Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Radish.