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Can You Grow Winter Squash in Utah?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–10b

Utah last frost

early April

Utah first frost

late October

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Winter Squashes in Utah

Start indoors

Mar 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 30 – Jul 30

Dates are approximate, based on Utah'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 Utah

Utah has an arid continental climate. Salt Lake City is Zone 6b-7a; southern Utah is Zone 7-8; mountains are Zone 4-5. Low humidity and alkaline soils require irrigation and soil amendment.