FrostCal

When to Plant Winter Squash in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then sow outdoors May 7 – May 21, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

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
DetroitMar 24 – Mar 31Apr 28 – May 12Apr 28 – May 5
Grand RapidsApr 8 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27May 13 – May 20
WarrenMar 24 – Mar 31Apr 28 – May 12Apr 28 – May 5
Sterling HeightsApr 2 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
Ann ArborApr 7 – Apr 14May 12 – May 26May 12 – May 19
LansingApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
Clinton TownshipApr 2 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
FlintApr 8 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27May 13 – May 20
DearbornMar 30 – Apr 6May 4 – May 18May 4 – May 11
LivoniaApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
CantonMar 27 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
TroyMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
WestlandMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
Farmington HillsApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
KalamazooMar 31 – Apr 7May 5 – May 19May 5 – May 12
WaterfordApr 1 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
WyomingApr 8 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27May 13 – May 20
ShelbyMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
Rochester HillsMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
SouthfieldApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
West Bloomfield TownshipApr 1 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
TaylorMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
PontiacMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
Saint Clair ShoresApr 1 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
Royal OakMar 24 – Mar 31Apr 28 – May 12Apr 28 – May 5
NoviApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
Dearborn HeightsApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
Battle CreekApr 2 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
KentwoodApr 8 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27May 13 – May 20
RedfordApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant winter squash in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then sow outdoors May 7 – May 21, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant winter squash in other states

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