FrostCal

When to Plant Zucchini in Nebraska

In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Apr 3 – Apr 10, then sow outdoors May 1 – May 15, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.

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
OmahaMar 28 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
LincolnApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
BellevueMar 27 – Apr 3Apr 24 – May 8Apr 24 – May 1
Grand IslandApr 2 – Apr 9Apr 30 – May 14Apr 30 – May 7
KearneyApr 9 – Apr 16May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
FremontApr 2 – Apr 9Apr 30 – May 14Apr 30 – May 7
HastingsApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
NorfolkApr 9 – Apr 16May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
North PlatteApr 12 – Apr 19May 10 – May 24May 10 – May 17
ColumbusMar 31 – Apr 7Apr 28 – May 12Apr 28 – May 5
PapillionMar 27 – Apr 3Apr 24 – May 8Apr 24 – May 1
La VistaMar 27 – Apr 3Apr 24 – May 8Apr 24 – May 1
ScottsbluffApr 17 – Apr 24May 15 – May 29May 15 – May 22
South Sioux CityApr 8 – Apr 15May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
BeatriceApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
ChalcoMar 31 – Apr 7Apr 28 – May 12Apr 28 – May 5
LexingtonApr 5 – Apr 12May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
AllianceApr 20 – Apr 27May 18 – Jun 1May 18 – May 25
GeringApr 17 – Apr 24May 15 – May 29May 15 – May 22
ElkhornMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 22 – May 6Apr 22 – Apr 29

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant zucchini in Nebraska?

In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Apr 3 – Apr 10, then sow outdoors May 1 – May 15, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.

When is the last frost in Nebraska?

The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska

When to plant zucchini in other states

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