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Can You Grow Winter Squash in South Carolina?
US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
Plant zones
South Carolina last frost
South Carolina first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Winter Squashes in South Carolina
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on South Carolina'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 South Carolina
South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The Upstate is Zone 7a-7b; the coast is Zone 8a-8b. Two growing seasons are standard.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Winter Squash in South Carolina?
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
What zone is South Carolina?
South Carolina spans USDA Zone 8a (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
When do you plant Winter Squashes in South Carolina?
Plant Winter Squashes around mid-February (start indoors Jan 18), harvest May 16 – Jun 15.