Crops › Summer Squash (Pumpkin)
How to grow Summer Squash (Pumpkin)
in the US
Sow April to May, plant out June to August, harvest September to October. About 90 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Summer squash, it's a proper workhorse on the plot. You get a cracking crop, and they’re so versatile in the kitchen. Just remember, these plants need a fair bit of room to spread out, they aren't shy.
Sowing
You can sow summer squash indoors a few weeks before your last frost, about 2 to 4 weeks usually. Get those seeds into small pots, maybe an inch deep, and keep them warm. Or, if your soil's warmed up nicely, you can direct sow them outside after all danger of frost has passed. For my pals in Zone 5, May is the time. Zones 6 and 7, April or May works. Folks in Zones 8 and 9 can start earlier, March or April. Give 'em a good bit of space, like 3 feet between plants, they'll thank you for it.
Growing on
Once your indoor plants have a few true leaves, get 'em hardened off proper. That means slowly introducing them to the outdoors over a week or so before planting out. Wait until all risk of frost is gone, the soil needs to be warm. They need full sun and rich soil, you know what I mean. Plant them about 3 feet apart, they're big spreaders, so no need for supports usually. Some varieties can do well in big containers, mind, if you're short on space.
Looking after it
Summer squash loves a good drink, so water deeply and consistently, especially when it's hot. A bit of mulch around the base helps keep that moisture in and keeps the weeds down. They're hungry plants, so give them a feed every now and then, especially if your soil isn't super rich. Keep an eye on them, they grow fast.
What goes wrong
To be honest, squash plants can attract a few unwelcome visitors. Watch out for those pesky squash bugs and vine borers; they can really do some damage. Aphids and cucumber beetles can be a nuisance too. Check under the leaves regularly, pick off any bugs you see, or blast them with a bit of water. Sometimes you just have to keep on top of it, eh?
Harvest
Summer squash is ready to pick about 90 days after sowing, usually from August right through to November. You want to pick 'em when they're young and tender, not too big, they taste much better. Just use a sharp knife to cut them from the plant. Unlike winter squash, these are best used fresh, they don't store for ages, so eat 'em up or share 'em out!
I always grow a few extra plants, just in case a vine borer gets one. That way, I'm still chuffed with a decent harvest, even if I lose one or two.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Zucchini – Black Beauty A classic dark green zucchini, very reliable and easy to grow. If you want a dependable, traditional zucchini, this one's a proper winner. | No club votes yet |
| Zucchini – Cocozelle This Italian heirloom has lovely striped skin and a rich flavor. It's a great choice for direct sowing, giving you an authentic taste of summer. | No club votes yet |
| Zucchini – Costata Romanesco A beautiful ribbed zucchini, famous for its nutty flavor and firm texture. Perfect for cooks who appreciate quality and don't mind starting seeds indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Yellow Straightneck A cheerful, bright yellow squash that grows straight and true. This one's a good bet for folks who prefer direct sowing and want a consistent, sunny harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Yellow Crookneck Distinctive with its curved neck and bumpy skin, it offers a tender, buttery flesh. Start this one indoors if you're looking for an early, unique yellow squash. | No club votes yet |
| Patty Pan – Sunburst These bright yellow, scalloped squash are super productive and look fantastic. A cracking choice for direct sowing if you want something a bit different and very prolific. | No club votes yet |
| Patty Pan – White Scallop A classic white patty pan, producing tender, disc-shaped fruits. It's an excellent option for starting indoors to get a head start on a steady harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Zephyr This unique two-toned squash has a yellow top and green blossom end. It's lovely direct sown, giving you firm, nutty fruits perfect for grilling. | No club votes yet |
| Magda (Kousa) An attractive pale green, slightly ribbed Lebanese-style squash, known for its delicate flavor. Starting it indoors ensures you get an early taste of this versatile variety. | No club votes yet |
| Gold Rush A vibrant yellow zucchini that produces abundantly and is easy to spot amongst the leaves. Direct sow this one for a reliable, bright addition to your plot. | No club votes yet |
| Eight Ball These compact, round zucchini are perfect for stuffing or grilling whole. Start them indoors if you fancy a fun, easy-to-harvest spherical squash. | No club votes yet |
| Gadzukes! An intriguing green zucchini with prominent ridges, offering a firm texture. This one's cracking for direct sowing if you want something visually interesting and tasty. | No club votes yet |
| Rampicante (young) Harvested young, this long, slender squash has a delicate, sweet flavor and firm flesh. Starting it indoors gives you a head start on this climbing, versatile variety. | No club votes yet |
| Tromboncino (young) A unique, climbing squash with long, curving fruits, wonderful when picked young. It's a great direct-sow option if you have space for it to ramble or a trellis to climb. | No club votes yet |
| Caserta A classic Italian zucchini with pale green, mottled skin and superb flavor. This reliable producer is best started indoors for an early and consistent yield. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Summer Squash (Pumpkin) seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April to June | August to November |
| Zone 4 | April to June | August to November |
| Zone 5 | May | September to October |
| Zone 6 | April to May | September to October |
| Zone 7 | April to May | August to October |
| Zone 8 | March to April | August to November |
| Zone 9 | March to April | August to November |
| Zone 10 | April to June | August to November |
Cook the harvest
Raw summer squash shaved into long, translucent ribbons with a vegetable peeler, then dressed with bright lemon, olive oil, mint, and Parmesan. No cooking required, completely seasonal, ready in ten minutes. The squash turns out silky and fresh — completely different from cooked.
15 min · easyA peak-summer side dish that celebrates everything coming ripe at once. Diced squash and fresh corn sautéed with butter, finished with basil and a squeeze of lime. The corn provides sweetness, the squash soaks up the butter, and the basil brings everything together. Ready in 15 minutes.
22 min · easySummer squash cut into half-moons, tossed with garlic and herbs, roasted at high heat until caramelized and tender. It sounds simple because it is, and it's one of the most satisfying vegetable sides you can put on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve with everything.
30 min · easyGolden, crispy fritters made from grated summer squash, feta, and herbs. The key is squeezing as much water out of the grated squash as possible — do this and you get crispy fritters, skip it and you get soggy pancakes. Served with cool herb yogurt, they're perfect for brunch or as a light summer lunch.
35 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
Questions people ask
When do you sow Summer Squash (Pumpkin) in the US?
Sow Summer Squash (Pumpkin) from April to May in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out June to August, after the last frost.
How long does Summer Squash (Pumpkin) take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 90 days, with the harvest September to October.
Which Summer Squash (Pumpkin) varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Zucchini – Black Beauty, Zucchini – Cocozelle, Zucchini – Costata Romanesco, Yellow Straightneck and more.
Track your Summer Squash (Pumpkin) from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.