Planting Guides
When to Plant Squash in Kansas City: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 6a
Kansas City, Missouri
USDA Zone 6a
Last Frost: Apr 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant squash in Kansas City after May 1 when soil reaches 65°F. Summer squash matures in 45-60 days, winter squash needs 80-110 days before October 24 frost.
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Quick Answer
Plant squash in Kansas City after May 1 when soil temperature reaches 65°F. Summer varieties mature in 45-60 days, winter squash needs 80-110 days before October 24 frost.
TL;DR
Plant squash in Kansas City after May 1 when soil reaches 65°F and frost danger passes. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty', Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck') mature in 45-60 days and produce continuously. Winter squash (Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut', Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn') need 80-110 days before October 24 first frost. Start winter varieties indoors April 1-8 for transplanting May 15-22, or direct sow May 1-15 for varieties under 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I plant squash in Kansas City?
Plant squash in Kansas City after May 1 when soil temperature reaches 65°F (18°C) consistently. Summer varieties like Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' can be planted May 1-15 for best results. Winter squash should be planted by May 8 for varieties needing 100+ days to mature before October 24 first frost. Starting winter squash indoors April 1-8 gives longer-season varieties like Cucurbita maxima 'Kabocha' the best chance for full maturity.
Which squash varieties work best in Kansas City's Zone 6a climate?
Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' zucchini and Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' are the two best varieties for Kansas City. Black Beauty handles our hot summers excellently and produces continuously from June through September. Butternut's solid stems resist squash vine borers, which are a major pest problem in Missouri. Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' also performs well in Kansas City's heat and humidity.
How do I deal with squash vine borers in Kansas City gardens?
Squash vine borers are the biggest pest challenge for Kansas City squash growers. Plant Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' varieties which have solid, resistant stems rather than hollow stems that borers prefer. Use row covers until flowering begins in June, then remove for pollination. Check plants weekly for entry holes and sawdust-like frass at stem bases. If you find borers, slit the stem carefully, remove the larvae, and mound moist soil over the wound.
Can I grow winter squash successfully in Kansas City?
Yes, Kansas City's 193-day growing season from April 14 to October 24 is excellent for winter squash. Most varieties need 80-100 days to mature, which fits well within our frost-free period. Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' (85-100 days) and Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' (80-100 days) are reliable choices. For longer-season varieties like Cucurbita maxima 'Kabocha' (95-110 days), start seeds indoors April 1-8 and transplant after May 15.
When is the latest I can plant squash in Kansas City?
For summer squash, the latest productive planting in Kansas City is July 15 for varieties like Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' that mature in 45-55 days. This gives you harvest through September before first frost. Winter squash must be planted much earlier—by May 8 at the latest for 100-day varieties to mature before October 24. Late plantings often fail to reach full maturity and won't store well through winter.
How much space do squash plants need in Kansas City gardens?
Summer squash varieties like Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' are bush types needing 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) spacing between plants. Winter squash requires much more room: Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' vines spread 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) and need 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) between plants. Plan your Kansas City garden layout carefully because these large plants can quickly overwhelm smaller spaces. Consider vertical trellising for some varieties to save ground space.
What soil conditions do squash need in Kansas City?
Kansas City's heavy clay soil needs amendment before planting squash. Work 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of compost into the top 8 inches (20 cm) of soil and create raised beds or mounds for improved drainage. Squash prefer soil pH between 6.0-6.8, which matches our typical Missouri soil conditions well. The amended clay holds moisture nicely during hot summers but drains excess spring rainfall that could cause root rot.
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Written By
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William "Bill" Crawford
Bill is a third-generation nurseryman who runs a small family garden center on the outskirts of Kansas City. His grandfather started the business in the 1960s, and Bill took over after working as an ag teacher for a decade. He knows the plants that work in the Kansas City area better than anyone—he's grown most of them himself and watched customers succeed or fail with the rest. Bill specializes in trees and shrubs for the Midwest, perennial borders that handle the region's hot summers and cold winters, and helping customers make sensible choices rather than impulse buys. He writes the way he talks to customers: patient, knowledgeable, and honest about what's worth the money and what isn't.
