Home › Winter Squash › Grow in Washington
Can You Grow Winter Squash in Washington?
US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
Plant zones
Washington last frost
Washington first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Winter Squashes in Washington
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on Washington'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 Washington
Washington has dramatically different climates. The wet maritime west (Zone 8a-8b) is mild and productive year-round. Eastern Washington is semi-arid and colder (Zone 5-6) with hot dry summers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Winter Squash in Washington?
Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.
What zone is Washington?
Washington spans USDA Zone 8b (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
When do you plant Winter Squashes in Washington?
Plant Winter Squashes around late January (start indoors Jan 2), harvest Apr 30 – May 30.