If you’re planning your Texas garden, knowing when to plant butternut squash is the key to a big harvest. Getting the timing right means your plants will thrive in our unique heat. This guide will walk you through the best windows for planting across the state, from the cooler north to the long-season south.
Planting at the correct time avoids late frosts and exploits the ideal growing conditions. Let’s get your squash off to the perfect start.
When to Plant Butternut Squash in Texas
The best time for planting butternut squash in Texas depends heavily on your region. Squash needs warm soil and no threat of frost. For most of the state, you have two main planting periods: a primary spring planting and a optional late-summer planting for a fall harvest.
Spring Planting by Texas Region
Spring is your main season. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are reliably above 60°F. A cold snap can stunt or kill young seedlings.
- North Texas: Plant from early April to mid-May. The last frost dates can vary, so checking a local forecast is wise.
- Central Texas: This region can start earlier. Aim for mid-March through early April.
- South Texas & the Valley: With the mildest winters, you can plant as early as February and continue through March.
- West Texas: Follow similar timing to North Texas, but be mindful of dry, windy conditions that can dry out seedlings.
Fall Planting for a Second Harvest
In many parts of Texas, you can plant a second crop in late summer for harvest in the fall. This is especially succesful in Central and South Texas. The goal is to time planting so squash mature before the first fall frost.
- Calculate by taking the “days to maturity” on your seed packet (usually 80-110 days) and counting back from your area’s first average frost date.
- For Central Texas, this usually means planting in early to mid-August.
- Fall planting often has fewer pest problems, which is a nice bonus.
Why Timing is Everything
Planting too early risks frost damage. Planting to late in spring exposes flowering plants to the extreme peak summer heat, which can prevent fruit from setting. The vines need time to grow strong before the intense July and August sun arrives.
Checking Your Soil Temperature
Don’t just rely on the calendar. Use a soil thermometer to check at a 2-inch depth. Consistently warm soil (60-65°F minimum) ensures seeds germinate quickly and roots grow vigorously. Cold, damp soil leads to rotten seeds.
Signs You’re Ready to Plant
- Last frost date is 2 weeks past.
- Soil is warm and workable, not clumpy or soggy.
- Daytime temperatures are consistently in the 70s.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once your timing is set, follow these steps for healthy plants.
1. Choose the Right Location
Butternut squash are sun worshippers. They need a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct, full sun each day. More is better. Ensure the site has excellent drainage to prevent root diseases.
2. Prepare the Soil
Texas soil often needs help. Squash prefer rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- You can add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions.
- Raised beds are an excellent option for improving drainage and soil warmth.
3. Planting Seeds or Transplants
You can direct-sow seeds or start transplants indoors. Direct sowing is often easier as squash seedlings don’t love their roots disturbed.
- For Direct Seeding: Plant seeds 1 inch deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 3 feet, in rows 5-6 feet apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest one per group.
- For Transplants: If starting indoors, do so 3-4 weeks before your outdoor planting date. Use biodegradable pots to minimize root shock. Transplant carefully, spacing 3 feet apart.
4. Watering and Mulching
Water deeply immediately after planting. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to reduce foliar disease.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperature even. It also keeps the developing fruit off the bare soil.
Caring for Your Butternut Squash
Proper care through the season ensures a heavy yield.
Feeding Your Plants
Squash are heavy feeders. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer when vines begin to run (about 3-4 weeks after planting). A second side-dressing when fruits start to form can be beneficial.
Pest and Disease Watch
Texas gardens have common visitors. Keep a eye out for squash vine borers, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. Powdery mildew can be a issue in humid or damp conditions.
- Use floating row covers early in the season to exclude pests (remove for pollination).
- Check leaf undersides regularly for bug eggs and remove them.
- For mildew, ensure good air circulation and consider resistant varieties.
Pollination Tips
Butternut squash have separate male and female flowers. Bees are essential for transfering pollen. If fruit is forming but then shriveling, poor pollination might be the cause. You can hand-pollinate by using a small brush to move pollen from a male flower to a female flower (identified by the tiny fruit at its base).
Harvesting Your Bounty
Harvest time is the best reward. Butternut squash are ready when the skin becomes very hard and a deep, uniform tan color. The stem will also start to dry and turn brown.
- Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached.
- Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
- For storage, “cure” squash in a warm, dry place (like a garage) for 10-14 days. This toughens the skin.
- Store cured squash in a cool (50-55°F), dry place where they can last for 3-6 months.
FAQ: Planting Butternut Squash in Texas
Can I plant butternut squash in July in Texas?
In most of Texas, July is too hot for planting. The extreme heat stresses young plants and hinders pollination. However, in far North Texas, a very early July planting for a fall harvest might work, but August is generally safer for fall crops.
What is the latest you can plant butternut squash?
The latest planting date is determined by your first fall frost. Count back the “days to maturity” plus about 2 weeks from that frost date. For a 100-day squash in Austin (frost around mid-November), early August is your latest safe bet.
How long does butternut squash take to grow?
From planting to harvest, most butternut squash varieties need 80 to 110 days of warm weather. Always check your specific seed packet for the most accurate timeline.
Can butternut squash grow in hot weather?
They grow well in warm weather but struggle in extreme heat. Daytime temperatures consistently above 95°F can cause blossom drop, preventing fruit set. This is why spring planting is timed to avoid the peak summer heat during critical flowering phases.
What are good companion plants for butternut squash in Texas?
Good companions include corn, beans (making a “Three Sisters” garden), radishes, marigolds, and nasturtiums. Marigolds can help deter some pests. Avoid planting near potatoes.
By following this regional timing guide and planting tips, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful harvest of homegrown butternut squash. The flavor of a squash you grew yourself is worth the wait. Just remember to give them plenty of sun, space, and warmth to do their thing.