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Can You Grow Butternut Squash in Ontario?

Canada · Canadian Zone 5 · zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Grows well here

Butternut squash thrives here with warm, frost-free summers and full sun.

Plant zones

3a–10b

Ontario last frost

mid-April

Ontario first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

100–120 days

When to plant Butternut Squashes in Ontario

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 24 – Aug 13

Dates are approximate, based on Ontario's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the most popular winter squash — sweet, smooth, and superb for storage. A vigorous vining plant that needs warm weather and room to sprawl.

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks earlier. Harvest when skin turns tan and hard. Cure 1-2 weeks in a warm spot before storing in a cool dry place.

Full butternut squash growing guide →

Gardening in Ontario

Ontario spans several climate zones. Northern Ontario is Zone 3-4 with short seasons; southern Ontario is Zone 5-7 with long productive seasons. The Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada's premier fruit-growing regions.