Plant Squash (winter) in Zone 11a
Seed-starting, transplant & harvest dates for USDA Zone 11a
Zone 11a is effectively frost-free, so the Zone 11a calendar for squash (winter) is set by heat, not cold. There is no last frost to count backward from and no first frost to beat, which means the question is not whether squash (winter) will finish but whether it will sit through the hottest stretch of the year. Squash (winter) is a tender crop needing about 95 days from sowing to harvest.
Fall planting: squash (winter) in Zone 11a
Squash (winter) has no useful fall window in Zone 11a. Winter squash needs too many days to maturity for a second planting outside the tropics.
Winter squash needs too many days to maturity for a second planting outside the tropics.
Fall dates are counted backward from the Zone 11a average first frost, not forward from a sowing date. See the fall planting calendar by zone for the full method.
Spring vs fall squash (winter) in Zone 11a
| Planting | Sow or start | In the ground | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Feb 1 | Feb 1 | May 7 |
| Fall | — | — | — |
Squash (winter) in nearby zones
Further reading on squash (winter)
- When to start seeds indoors by zone
Indoor start dates for squash (winter), counted back from your last frost.
- Hardening off seedlings: a schedule
A day by day plan for moving squash (winter) seedlings outdoors.
- Best grow lights for seed starting
What light seedlings actually need, and which fixtures deliver it.
Other crops in Zone 11a
Frequently asked questions
When should I start squash (winter) in Zone 11a?
Direct sow outdoors around Feb 1.
Can I direct sow squash (winter) in Zone 11a?
Yes, direct sow around Feb 1.
Can I plant squash (winter) in the fall in Zone 11a?
Squash (winter) has no useful fall window in Zone 11a. Winter squash needs too many days to maturity for a second planting outside the tropics.
Will squash (winter) survive frost in Zone 11a?
No. Squash (winter) is a tender crop and a single light frost ends it, so every Zone 11a planting has to finish before the average first frost (Zone 11a rarely sees one).