When to plant butternut squash in North Dakota
North Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–4b, so the right time to plant butternut squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 11 in Fargo to May 28 in Williston — below are local dates for 9 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Bismarck | 4a | May 10 | September 30 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Minot | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – May 31 |
| West Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Williston | 4a | May 21 | September 21 | May 28 – June 11 |
| Dickinson | 4b | May 20 | September 22 | May 27 – June 10 |
| Mandan | 4a | May 13 | September 27 | May 20 – June 3 |
Butternut Squash in North Dakota: FAQ
When can I plant butternut squash in North Dakota?
Across North Dakota, the time to direct-sow butternut squash spans roughly May 11 in Fargo to May 28 in Williston, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the butternut squash planting date vary across North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota publishes 9 cities with their own frost dates, so the right butternut squash planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does butternut squash take to grow in North Dakota?
Butternut Squash takes about 90–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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