When to Plant Acorn Squash in Sacramento, California (94271)

Location

Sacramento, California

ZIP Code

94271

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Start Acorn Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 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 Sacramento?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, January 13, 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 Sacramento, California? +

In Sacramento (Zone 9b), start Acorn Squash seeds indoors around Tuesday, January 13, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Sacramento, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Sacramento, California (ZIP 94271) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Acorn Squash take to grow? +

Acorn Squash typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Sacramento, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Acorn Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Sacramento, that means starting around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

📚 More Acorn Squash Planting Guides

🗺️

Acorn Squash in California

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Acorn Squash Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Sacramento

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Growing Acorn Squash in Zone 9b

Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular garden vegetable. In Sacramento, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Acorn Squash seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.