FrostCal

When to Plant Zucchini in Ohio

In a typical Ohio location, start seeds indoors Apr 1 – Apr 8, then sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13, then transplant outdoors Apr 29 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

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
ColumbusMar 30 – Apr 6Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
ClevelandMar 18 – Mar 25Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
CincinnatiMar 26 – Apr 2Apr 23 – May 7Apr 23 – Apr 30
ToledoMar 30 – Apr 6Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
AkronApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
DaytonMar 28 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
ParmaMar 30 – Apr 6Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
CantonApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
YoungstownApr 10 – Apr 17May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
LorainApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
HamiltonApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
SpringfieldApr 4 – Apr 11May 2 – May 16May 2 – May 9
KetteringMar 28 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
ElyriaApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
LakewoodMar 30 – Apr 6Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
Cuyahoga FallsApr 9 – Apr 16May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
MiddletownApr 3 – Apr 10May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
NewarkApr 8 – Apr 15May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
EuclidMar 18 – Mar 25Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
MentorApr 5 – Apr 12May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
MansfieldApr 5 – Apr 12May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
BeavercreekMar 28 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
DublinApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
Cleveland HeightsMar 18 – Mar 25Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
StrongsvilleMar 30 – Apr 6Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
FairfieldMar 29 – Apr 5Apr 26 – May 10Apr 26 – May 3
FindlayApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
WarrenApr 17 – Apr 24May 15 – May 29May 15 – May 22
LancasterApr 1 – Apr 8Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
Grove CityApr 2 – Apr 9Apr 30 – May 14Apr 30 – May 7

Showing the 30 most populous of 203 Ohio cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Ohio cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant zucchini in Ohio?

In a typical Ohio location, start seeds indoors Apr 1 – Apr 8, then sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13, then transplant outdoors Apr 29 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

When is the last frost in Ohio?

The average last spring frost in Ohio ranges from April 8 in Cleveland to May 8 in Girard, 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 Ohio

When to plant zucchini in other states

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