8a When to plant winter squash & pumpkins in zone 8a
Zone 8a median last spring freeze: Apr 2 · first fall freeze: Nov 5 · harvest in ~80-120 days.
| Step | Zone 8a dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Start seeds indoors | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | 6–10 weeks before transplanting |
| Transplant outside | Apr 9 | after last spring freeze |
| Direct sow (spring) | Mar 26 | before last spring freeze |
How winter squash & pumpkins grow in zone 8a
Direct sow or transplant both work. Tender — damaged by any frost. Harvest runs roughly 80-120 days after planting. These windows come from extension planting tables anchored to zone 8a's median freeze dates — for varieties and local conditions, check with your local extension office.
Next: the full zone 8a calendar · other crops in zone 8a: tomatoes · peppers · cucumbers · zucchini & summer squash · snap beans · sweet corn · peas · lettuce · spinach · 5 more