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Can You Grow Winter Squash in Mississippi?
US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7b, 8a, 8b
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
Plant zones
Mississippi last frost
Mississippi first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Winter Squashes in Mississippi
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on Mississippi's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.
About Winter Squash
Winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti) are the long-storing hard-skinned squash you plant in spring and harvest in fall. Vigorous, sprawling, and highly productive.
Direct sow or start indoors 4 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost. Give vines room (6-8 ft) or a trellis. Harvest when skin is hard and you can't dent it with a fingernail. Cure in a warm place for 1-2 weeks for long storage.
Gardening in Mississippi
Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. Two growing seasons are achievable most years. Excellent for sweet potatoes, okra, and southern vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Winter Squash in Mississippi?
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
What zone is Mississippi?
Mississippi spans USDA Zone 8a (7b, 8a, 8b).
When do you plant Winter Squashes in Mississippi?
Plant Winter Squashes around mid-February (start indoors Jan 18), harvest May 16 – Jun 15.