When to plant butternut squash in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, so the right time to plant butternut squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 26 in Pleasant Prairie to May 18 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | April 27 – May 11 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | May 1 – May 15 |
Butternut Squash in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant butternut squash in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to direct-sow butternut squash spans roughly April 26 in Pleasant Prairie to May 18 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the butternut squash planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 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 Wisconsin?
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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