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When to Plant Squash in Roanoke, Virginia (24005)

Location

Roanoke, Virginia

ZIP Code

24005

USDA Zone

7b

Last Frost

Sunday, April 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, April 5, 2026 · Zone 7b

Pro tip: Sow Squash directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cucurbita moschata
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 24-36"
Spread 72"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Large (2-5 lbs)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

48" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Squash in Roanoke?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 22, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornBeanRadishMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Potato
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Squash

See which plants help Squash thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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Common Squash Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Butternut

winter 110d

Tan, pear-shaped winter squash with sweet, orange flesh; the most popular for soups.

Acorn

winter 80d

Small, dark green ribbed squash with dense, mild flesh; ideal for stuffing and baking halves.

Delicata

winter 100d

Striped cream-and-green oblong squash with very sweet, fine-grained flesh; edible skin.

Spaghetti Squash

winter 100d

Pale yellow squash whose cooked flesh pulls into spaghetti-like strands; low-carb pasta substitute.

Hubbard

winter 100d

Large, knobby, blue-gray heirloom winter squash with sweet, dense orange flesh.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow squash to fully mature and cure for 1 month before extracting seeds.

Processing

Scoop seeds, wash off flesh, dry flat for 2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Squash cross within the same species. Hand-pollinate early in the morning for guaranteed purity.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 2 plants of Squash. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash in Roanoke, Virginia? +

In Roanoke (Zone 7b), direct sow Squash outdoors around Sunday, February 22, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Roanoke, Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Roanoke, Virginia (ZIP 24005) is around Sunday, April 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7b.

How long does Squash take to grow? +

Squash typically matures in about 90 days from direct sowing. In Roanoke, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, February 22, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Squash indoors or direct sow in Virginia? +

Squash does best when direct sown outdoors. In Roanoke, sow directly around Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Other Plants for Roanoke

Growing Squash in Zone 7b

Squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a popular garden vegetable. In Roanoke, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, April 5, 2026. Squash grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.