Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Spaghetti Squash

Winter squash whose flesh separates into pasta-like strands when cooked. A low-carb alternative to pasta.

Sun

Full sun (6-8 hours)

Water

1-2 inches per week

Days to Harvest

90-110

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

48"

Frost Tolerance

none

The Short Answer

Spaghetti Squash are frost-sensitive and need warm soil and air temperatures to thrive. Start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outside 2 weeks after your last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. You can also direct sow seeds 2 weeks after your last frost. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is the low-carb gardener's dream — the cooked flesh separates into pasta-like strands that serve as a noodle substitute with roughly one-quarter the calories of actual pasta. Harvest when the skin turns golden yellow and resists thumbnail pressure. Cut cooked squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and rake the flesh with a fork to produce the 'spaghetti' strands. Stores 2-4 months. Smaller fruits have finer, more tender strands; larger fruits have thicker, chewier ones. Each plant produces 4-5 squash.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin spaghetti squash seeds indoors 3 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 60°F to germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 60°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Direct Sowing

Spaghetti Squash can be direct sown 2 weeks after your last frost date. Plant seeds 1" deep, spaced 48" apart.

Growing Tips

Harvest when skin turns golden yellow and resists thumbnail pressure. Stores 2-4 months. One plant produces 4-5 squash. Cut cooked squash in half and rake with a fork to produce the 'spaghetti' strands.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Beans Corn Nasturtiums

Keep away from:

Potatoes

Spaghetti Squash Planting Dates by State

Click your state for spaghetti squash planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026