When can I plant acorn squash outside?

Direct sow or transplant 2 weeks after your last spring frost.

How long until acorn squash is ready to harvest?

80-100 days. Dark green with an orange ground spot; rind resists thumbnail puncture; stem is dry and corky

When to Plant Acorn Squash

Cucurbita pepo

vegetableZones 3–11beginner

Compact winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor and distinctive ribbed shape. Excellent roasted. Good storage squash for beginning gardeners.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

3 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

2 weeks after your last spring frost.

Cure in sun for 1-2 weeks after harvest to improve storage life

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 36-48 inches
Row spacing: 60-84 inches
Days to harvest: 80-100 days
Ready when: Dark green with an orange ground spot; rind resists thumbnail puncture; stem is dry and corky

Companion planting

Plant near

Corn — Three Sisters style planting
Green Bean — Fixes nitrogen for heavy-feeding squash

Keep away from

Potato — Both susceptible to blight

Get acorn squash planting dates for your exact zone

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns