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Can You Grow Winter Squash in Missouri?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Grows well here

Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.

Plant zones

3a–10b

Missouri last frost

early April

Missouri first frost

late October

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Winter Squashes in Missouri

Start indoors

Mar 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 30 – Jul 30

Dates are approximate, based on Missouri'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.

Full winter squash growing guide →

Gardening in Missouri

Missouri has a humid continental climate. Kansas City and St. Louis are Zone 6a-6b; northern Missouri is cooler at Zone 5b-6a. Four distinct seasons with a long growing window.