When to Plant Acorn Squash in Portland, Arkansas (71663)

Location

Portland, Arkansas

ZIP Code

71663

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Acorn Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

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🌿 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 Portland?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 15, 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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Portland, Arkansas? +

In Portland (Zone 8b), start Acorn Squash seeds indoors around Sunday, February 15, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Portland, Arkansas? +

The average last spring frost date for Portland, Arkansas (ZIP 71663) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Acorn Squash take to grow? +

Acorn Squash typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Portland, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Acorn Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Portland, that means starting around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

📚 More Acorn Squash Planting Guides

🗺️

Acorn Squash in Arkansas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8b Acorn Squash Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Portland

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Growing Acorn Squash in Zone 8b

Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular garden vegetable. In Portland, Arkansas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Acorn Squash seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.