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Can You Grow Winter Squash in Virginia?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–10b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Winter Squashes in Virginia

Start indoors

Feb 7

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

Jun 5 – Jul 5

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.