FrostCal

When to Plant Winter Squash in Florida

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 28 – Jan 4, then sow outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 80–110 days

Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.

Winter Squash Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
JacksonvilleJan 4 – Jan 11Feb 8 – Feb 22Feb 8 – Feb 15
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaDec 23 – Dec 30Jan 27 – Feb 10Jan 27 – Feb 3
OrlandoDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 24 – Feb 7Jan 24 – Jan 31
St. PetersburgDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 24 – Feb 7Jan 24 – Jan 31
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeFeb 11 – Feb 18Mar 18 – Apr 1Mar 18 – Mar 25
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralDec 19 – Dec 26Jan 23 – Feb 6Jan 23 – Jan 30
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleFeb 3 – Feb 10Mar 10 – Mar 24Mar 10 – Mar 17
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayDec 19 – Dec 26Jan 23 – Feb 6Jan 23 – Jan 30
ClearwaterDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 24 – Feb 7Jan 24 – Jan 31
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 2 – Feb 16Feb 2 – Feb 9
BrandonJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 6 – Feb 20Feb 6 – Feb 13
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillJan 8 – Jan 15Feb 12 – Feb 26Feb 12 – Feb 19
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 2 – Feb 16Feb 2 – Feb 9
Lehigh AcresDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 24 – Feb 7Jan 24 – Jan 31
MelbourneDec 23 – Dec 30Jan 27 – Feb 10Jan 27 – Feb 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant winter squash in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 28 – Jan 4, then sow outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do winter squash take to grow?

Winter Squash typically take 80–110 days from planting to harvest. Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.

Other Crops in Florida

When to plant winter squash in other states

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