FrostCal

When to Plant Zucchini in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Mar 8 – Mar 15, then sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19, then transplant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 45–55 days

Fast-growing squash; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 2-3 weeks early for a head start.

Zucchini Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
WashingtonMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
Downtown DCMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Columbia HeightsMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Mount PleasantMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 16 – Apr 30Apr 16 – Apr 23
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Northwest OneMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Foggy BottomMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 16 – Apr 30Apr 16 – Apr 23
Mount Vernon TriangleMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
H Street NEMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Pleasant PlainsMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
NoMaMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
PetworthMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Capitol RiverfrontMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
Park ViewMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Golden TriangleMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
ShawMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
BrightwoodMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Adams MorganMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Kennedy StreetMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Southwest WaterfrontMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
Barracks RowMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Union MarketMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
AnacostiaMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
Colorado TriangleMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 16 – Apr 30Apr 16 – Apr 23
Brentwood VillageMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
The WharfMar 3 – Mar 10Mar 31 – Apr 14Mar 31 – Apr 7
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
Van NessMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 16 – Apr 30Apr 16 – Apr 23
Benning RoadMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12
HillcrestMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 19Apr 5 – Apr 12

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant zucchini in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Mar 8 – Mar 15, then sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19, then transplant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do zucchini take to grow?

Zucchini typically take 45–55 days from planting to harvest. Fast-growing squash; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 2-3 weeks early for a head start.

Other Crops in District of Columbia

When to plant zucchini in other states

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