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When to Plant Butternut Squash in Avon, Minnesota (56310)

Location

Avon, Minnesota

ZIP Code

56310

USDA Zone

4b

Last Frost

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Zone 4b

Pro tip: Start Butternut Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cucurbita moschata
Days to Maturity 100 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 72"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Large (2-5 lbs)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

60" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Butternut Squash in Avon?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornBeanMarigoldNasturtium

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Potato
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Butternut Squash

See which plants help Butternut 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

Cure squash for 4–6 weeks after harvest before extracting seeds — curing improves seed viability.

Processing

Scoop seeds from cured squash, rinse off stringy flesh, spread to dry for 2 weeks.

Seed Viability

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

Pro Tip

Butternut is C. moschata — crosses with other moschata varieties but generally not with C. pepo squashes.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 1 plant of Butternut Squash. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Avon, Minnesota? +

In Avon (Zone 4b), start Butternut Squash seeds indoors around Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Avon, Minnesota? +

The average last spring frost date for Avon, Minnesota (ZIP 56310) is around Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 4b.

How long does Butternut Squash take to grow? +

Butternut Squash typically matures in about 100 days from transplanting. In Avon, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, May 19, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Butternut Squash indoors or direct sow in Minnesota? +

Butternut Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Avon, that means starting around Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Other Plants for Avon

Growing Butternut Squash in Zone 4b

Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a popular garden vegetable. In Avon, Minnesota, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Plan to transplant your Butternut Squash seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.