When to plant summer squash / zucchini in Minneapolis

Summer squash / Zucchini is frost-tender, so every date keys off Minneapolis's last spring frost of Apr 21.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 18 – May 9
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 27 – Jun 17
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 11 – Jul 26
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
45 – 60 d
Minneapolis's 180-day season leaves this much room.
Summer squash / Zucchini on Minneapolis'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
APR 21
OCT 13

Common questions

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

Direct-sow around late May (May 27–Jun 17) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.

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

Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 11–Jul 26) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.

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

Start seeds indoors around mid April (Apr 18–May 9) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

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

Transplant outdoors around late May (May 27–Jun 17) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.

How long is the growing season in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has roughly 180 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 Minneapolis's frost dates.

Confidence 87/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.