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When to Plant Acorn Squash in Fort Mill, South Carolina (29708)

Location

Fort Mill, South Carolina

ZIP Code

29708

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, February 20, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Acorn Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cucurbita pepo
Days to Maturity 85 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 60"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Small-Medium (1-2 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 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Acorn Squash in Fort Mill?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 20, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornBeanMarigoldNasturtium

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Potato
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Acorn Squash

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

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

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

When to Harvest Seed

Let fruit mature fully on the vine — cure for 1 month after harvest before extracting seeds.

Processing

Scoop seeds from cured squash, rinse, dry flat for 2 weeks.

Seed Viability

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

Pro Tip

Acorn squash (C. pepo) crosses with zucchini, delicata, and other C. pepo squashes. Isolate by 500 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Fort Mill, South Carolina? +

In Fort Mill (Zone 8a), start Acorn Squash seeds indoors around Friday, February 20, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fort Mill, South Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Fort Mill, South Carolina (ZIP 29708) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Acorn Squash take to grow? +

Acorn Squash typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Fort Mill, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 3, 2026 plus 85 days.

Should I start Acorn Squash indoors or direct sow in South Carolina? +

Acorn Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Fort Mill, that means starting around Friday, February 20, 2026.

Other Plants for Fort Mill

Growing Acorn Squash in Zone 8a

Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fort Mill, South Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, February 20, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Acorn Squash seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.