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When to Plant Acorn Squash in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, June 15, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Acorn Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 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 Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, May 4, 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 Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Acorn Squash seeds indoors around Monday, May 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Acorn Squash take to grow? +

Acorn Squash typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 15, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Acorn Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Acorn Squash in Zone 2a

Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Acorn Squash seedlings outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.