Planting Guides
When to Plant Squash in Memphis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b
Memphis, Tennessee
USDA Zone 7b
Last Frost: Apr 5
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn when to plant squash in Memphis with specific dates for Zone 7b. Compare 8 varieties, get complete timing guide, and discover which squash grow best in Tennessee's humid climate.
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Quick Answer
Plant squash in Memphis April 20-May 15 when soil reaches 60°F. Summer varieties harvest in 45-60 days, winter varieties need 80-100 days before November 1 frost.
TL;DR
Plant squash in Memphis between April 20-May 15 after soil warms to 60°F following the April 5 last frost. Summer squash (zucchini, crookneck) planted April 20 harvest June-August, while winter squash (butternut, acorn) planted by May 15 mature by October for storage. Memphis's 210-day growing season and Zone 7b climate support all squash varieties with proper timing and humidity management for disease prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant squash seeds in Memphis?
Plant squash seeds in Memphis between April 20-May 15 when soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C). Summer squash can be planted through July for continuous harvest, while winter squash must be planted by May 15 to mature before the November 1 first frost. Soil typically warms to proper temperature about 2 weeks after our April 5 last frost date.
Which squash varieties grow best in Memphis's Zone 7b climate?
Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty' zucchini and Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' perform exceptionally well in Memphis. Summer varieties like Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck handle our humidity better than most vegetables, while Butternut's solid stems resist squash vine borers that plague Memphis gardens. All varieties benefit from proper spacing for air circulation in our humid climate.
How do I prevent squash vine borers in Memphis gardens?
Use floating row covers immediately after planting and remove when female flowers appear (flowers with small squash at base). Check weekly for orange "frass" (sawdust-like material) at stem bases starting in June. Plant resistant varieties like Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' with solid stems, or time plantings to avoid peak egg-laying periods through succession planting every 3 weeks.
Can I grow winter squash in Memphis's hot, humid summers?
Yes, Memphis's 210-day growing season provides adequate time for winter squash varieties requiring 80-110 days to mature. Plant varieties like Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' and Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' by May 15 for October harvest before first frost. Ensure proper spacing (48-60 inches) for air circulation and use drip irrigation to prevent foliar diseases in humid conditions.
How much space do squash plants need in Memphis gardens?
Summer squash (bush types) need 36 inches (91 cm) between plants and 48 inches (122 cm) between rows. Winter squash (vining types) require 48-60 inches (122-152 cm) between plants with 72 inches (183 cm) between rows, as vines spread 10-15 feet. Proper spacing is critical in Memphis's humid climate to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases that thrive in poor air circulation.
When is the last date to plant squash in Memphis?
Summer squash can be planted as late as July 15 for fall harvest, often producing cleaner fruit as plants mature in cooler weather. Winter squash must be planted no later than May 15 to allow 80-110 days for proper maturation before November 1 first frost. Late plantings often avoid peak squash vine borer pressure and perform better than early plantings.
How do I manage powdery mildew on squash in Memphis?
Ensure proper spacing (36+ inches for summer, 48+ inches for winter varieties) for air circulation and avoid overhead watering that keeps leaves wet. Apply preventive milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) weekly starting in July. Remove affected leaves promptly and consider planting in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce humidity stress on plants.
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Aisha Patel
Aisha manages a small tropical nursery on the east side of Houston, specializing in plants that can handle the Gulf Coast's humidity, heat, and unpredictable flooding. She studied horticulture in college and worked at a wholesale grower before opening her own operation. Growing up, her parents kept a kitchen garden with okra, bitter gourd, and curry leaf plants—a tradition she's continued. Houston's subtropical climate lets her grow things most of the country can't, but it also means dealing with fungal issues, standing water, and summers where it's too hot for even tomatoes. Aisha writes about tropical and subtropical plant care, humidity management, and working with heavy clay soils.
