When to plant summer squash / zucchini in New York City

Summer squash / Zucchini is frost-tender, so every date keys off New York City's last spring frost of Mar 30.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 27 – Apr 17
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 20 – Jun 10
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 4 – Jul 19
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
45 – 60 d
New York City's 234-day season leaves this much room.
Summer squash / Zucchini on New York City'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
MAR 30
NOV 19

Common questions

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

Direct-sow around mid May (May 20–Jun 10) in New York City, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

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

Expect to harvest from around early July (Jul 4–Jul 19) in New York City, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

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

Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 27–Apr 17) in New York City, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.

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

Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 20–Jun 10) in New York City, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

How long is the growing season in New York City?

New York City has roughly 234 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 York City's frost dates.

Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.