When To Plant Squash In Florida

If you’re a Florida gardener, knowing when to plant squash is the key to a great harvest. This guide covers the optimal Florida planting times to get your squash growing strong.

Squash is a fantastic choice for our state. It grows fast and gives you plenty of vegetables. But our unique climate means timing is everything. Plant at the right moment, and you’ll have healthy plants. Get the timing wrong, and you might battle pests and heat.

Let’s break down the best schedule for your garden.

Florida has two main growing seasons for squash. We call them the “cool” season and the “warm” season. Squash is a warm-season crop. It needs warm soil and no frost.

For most of Florida, here is the simple schedule:

North Florida: Plant from late February through April. You can also plant again in August for a fall harvest.
Central Florida: Plant from mid-February through March. A second planting can be done in August and early September.
South Florida: You can plant from October through March. This is your main planting window.

These dates are guides. Always watch your local weather. The soil temperature should be at least 70°F for seeds to sprout well.

Understanding Florida’s Growing Seasons

Our state is long, so seasons vary. North Florida gets frosts. South Florida rarely does. This changes what “optimal Florida planting times” really means for you.

The biggest risk in spring is planting too early. A late frost will kill young squash plants. In fall, the risk is waiting too long. If you plant to late, plants won’t mature before cooler weather slows them down.

Spring Planting Across Florida

Spring is the primary planting time for squash. The goal is to get plants established before the summer heat and heavy rains arrive. This helps them avoid the worst insect pressure.

In North Florida, wait until after your last average frost date. This is usually late February or early March.
Central Florida gardeners have a longer window. Start in February once the soil warms up.
South Florida has the opposite calendar. Your best time is actually during the winter months, from fall into early spring.

Fall Planting Across Florida

A fall planting can be very productive. The weather is cooling, and pest problems often lessen. The trick is to calculate backwards.

Find your first average frost date (for North and Central Florida).
Count back 10-12 weeks. This is your ideal fall planting date.
This gives squash enough time to produce before cold weather stops growth.

For South Florida, fall planting is less critical. Your season extends much longer.

Choosing the Right Squash Variety

Picking a variety suited for Florida matters. Some types handle heat and disease better than others.

For summer squash (like zucchini and yellow crookneck), look for disease resistance. Varieties like ‘Dunja’ or ‘Yellowfin’ are good choices. For winter squash (like butternut or acorn), choose short-season varieties. They mature faster, which is helpful.

Your local garden center will carry varieties that perform well in your specific area. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your dates, follow these steps for success.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Squash needs full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. The soil should drain well. Florida’s sandy soil benefits from compost.

Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. This improves nutrient and water retention. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

2. Planting Seeds or Transplants

You can direct-sow seeds or use transplants. Direct sowing is often easier because squash doesn’t love its roots disturbed.

Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
Space hills or seeds about 2-3 feet apart. They need room to spread.
If using transplants, handle them gently and plant at the same depth they were in the pot.

Water thoroughly right after planting.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering is crucial. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves. This helps prevent fungal diseases. About 1-2 inches of water per week is a good goal.

Use a balanced fertilizer at planting. Then, side-dress with a fertilizer when plants start to vine and again when they begin to bloom. Too much nitrogen will give you leaves but few fruits.

Common Pests and Problems in Florida

Florida gardens have some specific challenges. Being prepared makes a big difference.

Squash Vine Borers: This is a major pest. Look for sawdust-like frass at the base of the plant. You can try to slit the stem and remove the borer, or use preventive measures like row covers early in the season.
Powdery Mildew: A white fungus on leaves. It’s common in humid weather. Choose resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation. Organic fungicides can help.
Whiteflies and Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can spread disease. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can manage them.

Check your plants regularly. Catching problems early is the best control method.

Harvesting Your Squash

Harvest summer squash when they are small and tender, usually 6-8 inches long. Picking often encourages the plant to produce more. If fruits get to big, the plant may stop producing.

For winter squash, let them mature fully on the vine. The skin should be hard and not easily punctured by your thumbnail. Harvest before the first frost, leaving a couple inches of stem attached.

Tips for Year-Round Success

Here are a few extra tips for Florida gardeners.

Use mulch around plants. It keeps soil moist, suppresses weeds, and keeps fruits clean.
Consider succession planting. Plant a few seeds every 2-3 weeks in spring for a longer harvest period.
Rotate your crops each year. Don’t plant squash in the same spot where you grew cucumbers or melons the year before. This reduces soil-borne diseases.

Gardening in Florida is rewarding. With the right timing and care, you’ll enjoy plenty of squash from your own yard.

FAQ: Planting Squash in Florida

Can you grow squash year-round in Florida?

In South Florida, you can grow squash for much of the year, avoiding only the hottest summer months. In Central and North Florida, you have two distinct planting seasons: spring and fall.

What is the latest you can plant squash in Florida?

For a fall harvest in North/Central Florida, aim to have seeds in the ground by early September at the latest. This gives plants time to mature. In South Florida, you can plant into early spring.

How do I protect squash from the hot Florida sun?

Providing consistent water is key. Mulch heavily to cool the soil. In peak summer heat, some afternoon shade can help, but full sun is still best for overall growth.

Why are my squash plants flowering but not producing fruit?

This is often a pollination issue. Bees are needed to transfer pollen. You can hand-pollinate by using a small brush to move pollen from male flowers to female flowers. Female flowers have a tiny fruit at their base.

What are the best squash varieties for Florida heat?

Look for hybrids with noted heat tolerance and disease resistance. For summer squash, ‘Zucchini Elite’ or ‘Sunburst’ pattypan are good. For winter squash, ‘Tiana’ butternut is a strong performer.