Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Texas

Zucchini and yellow squash are the garden's most generous producers. You'll be sharing with neighbors by midsummer.

The Short Answer

Texas gardeners get two shots at squash — a spring crop planted in March and a fall crop started in August. The spring window closes when triple-digit heat arrives in June, but the fall crop can produce right through mild Texas autumns into November. This double-season opportunity makes squash one of the highest-yield crops in a Texas vegetable garden.

Texas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Texas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Squash (Summer) in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: direct sow in mid-March (north Texas) to late February (south Texas). Fall: direct sow in early August for a late September through November harvest. Texas's alkaline soils in the Hill Country and west need sulfur amendment — squash prefers pH 6.0-6.8. In east Texas's acidic sandy soils, add lime if pH is below 5.5. Squash are heavy feeders — side-dress with compost when the first fruits set. Drip irrigation keeps moisture off leaves, which is critical in Texas's warm, humid conditions where fungal diseases thrive.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Tatume (or Calabacita) is a Texas heirloom beloved for its heat tolerance and resistance to vine borers. It grows as a vine rather than a bush, making it vigorous but sprawling. Black Beauty zucchini and Yellow Crookneck are standard choices. For winter squash, Seminole Pumpkin is essentially indestructible in Texas heat.

Common Challenges in Texas

Squash vine borers are devastating in Texas — the warm climate means two generations per year instead of one. Tatume and Butternut varieties show natural resistance. Squash bugs congregate on leaves and stems, sucking sap and transmitting disease. Powdery mildew is nearly guaranteed by late summer — choose resistant varieties and accept some leaf damage on older plants.

Growing Tips

Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor. Larger squash become seedy and tough.

Companion Planting

Plant squash (summer) alongside these companions for better growth:

Corn Beans Nasturtiums

Keep squash (summer) away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Squash (Summer) can be grown successfully in Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Squash (Summer) Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas Squash (Summer) in Alabama Alabama planting dates Squash (Summer) in Alaska Alaska planting dates Squash (Summer) in Arizona Arizona planting dates Squash (Summer) in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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