How to grow zucchini and summer squash

Zucchini is one of the fastest, most generous crops you can grow. One or two plants feed a family.

Reviewed October 2026

A summer squash plant with large leaves and young fruit — A summer squash plant, the family zucchini belongs to. Photo: Alexander Benesch on Unsplash

Start indoors: 3–4 weeks before planting out
Plant outside: About 2 weeks after last frost
Or sow seed: When soil reaches 70°F
Days to harvest: 40–55

When to plant

Zucchini and other summer squash are frost-tender. Either start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks ahead and transplant about 2 weeks after your average last frost, or sow seed directly once the soil reaches 70°F. A soil thermometer takes the guesswork out. See your dates in the planting planner.

Sowing and spacing

Sow seed 1 to 2 inches deep. Plants get big: allow about 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.

Pollination

Squash needs bees to move pollen from male to female flowers. If small fruits shrivel at the tip, poor pollination is the usual cause. Avoid spraying insecticides on open flowers.

Harvest

Fruit is ready 40 to 55 days from planting. Pick zucchini small and often, while the skin is glossy and tender. Overgrown fruit is tough and seedy, and it slows the plant.

Planting dates in Florida

Region	When to plant
North Florida	Late March to April, and August to September
Central Florida	January to April, and August to September
South Florida	August to March

Sources

When to plant your vegetable garden, UNH Cooperative Extension
Vegetable planting chart, University of Georgia Extension
Florida vegetable gardening guide, UF/IFAS