When to plant summer squash / zucchini in Christchurch

Summer squash / Zucchini is frost-tender, so every date keys off Christchurch's last spring frost of Oct 10.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Sep 26 – Oct 17
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Oct 17 – Nov 7
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Dec 1 – Dec 16
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
45 – 60 d
Christchurch's 192-day season leaves this much room.
Summer squash / Zucchini on Christchurch's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
OCT 10
APR 20

Common questions

When can I sow summer squash / zucchini outdoors in Christchurch?

Direct-sow around mid October (Oct 17–Nov 7) in Christchurch, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

When will summer squash / zucchini be ready to harvest in Christchurch?

Expect to harvest from around early December (Dec 1–Dec 16) in Christchurch, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 72%.

When should I start summer squash / zucchini seeds indoors in Christchurch?

Start seeds indoors around late September (Sep 26–Oct 17) in Christchurch, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.

When can I transplant summer squash / zucchini outdoors in Christchurch?

Transplant outdoors around mid October (Oct 17–Nov 7) in Christchurch, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

How long is the growing season in Christchurch?

Christchurch has roughly 192 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow summer squash / zucchini to maturity outdoors.

The rule of thumb

Sow summer squash / zucchini 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Christchurch's frost dates.

Confidence 80/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.