When to plant summer squash / zucchini in New Orleans

Summer squash / Zucchini is frost-tender, so every date keys off New Orleans's last spring frost of Feb 8.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 25 – Mar 18
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 18 – Apr 8
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 2 – May 17
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
45 – 60 d
New Orleans's 304-day season leaves this much room.
Summer squash / Zucchini on New Orleans'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
FEB 8
DEC 9

Common questions

When can I sow summer squash / zucchini outdoors in New Orleans?

Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 18–Apr 8) in New Orleans, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

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

Expect to harvest from around early May (May 2–May 17) in New Orleans, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 73%.

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

Start seeds indoors around late February (Feb 25–Mar 18) in New Orleans, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 77%.

When can I transplant summer squash / zucchini outdoors in New Orleans?

Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 18–Apr 8) in New Orleans, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

How long is the growing season in New Orleans?

New Orleans has roughly 304 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 New Orleans's frost dates.

Confidence 81/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.