Zucchini in Zone 6a & 6b
Cucurbita pepo
When to plant zucchini in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Zucchini tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 4–Apr 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 21–Jun 28 (~50 days after planting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Zucchini's reputation for overwhelming a garden is well-earned: a single healthy plant can produce more squash than most households can eat, which is exactly why our planting calendar puts just one plant per square foot rather than clustering several together.
How zucchini fits zone 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Zucchini needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Marigold: Marigolds deter squash bugs and beetles.
- Nasturtium: Nasturtium is a trap crop that draws aphids away from squash.
Where to buy zucchini seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing zucchini" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Zucchini in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest