When to plant winter squash in North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant winter squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 22 in Goldsboro to May 9 in Boone — below are local dates for 96 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 8a | March 30 | November 3 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Raleigh | 8a | March 28 | November 8 | April 4 – April 18 |
| Greensboro | 8a | April 1 | November 4 | April 8 – April 22 |
| Durham | 8a | April 2 | November 4 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Winston-Salem | 8a | March 26 | November 9 | April 2 – April 16 |
| Fayetteville | 8a | March 30 | November 10 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Cary | 8a | March 27 | November 8 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Wilmington | 8b | March 19 | November 20 | March 26 – April 9 |
Winter Squash in North Carolina: FAQ
When can I plant winter squash in North Carolina?
Across North Carolina, the time to direct-sow winter squash spans roughly March 22 in Goldsboro to May 9 in Boone, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the winter squash planting date vary across North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina publishes 96 cities with their own frost dates, so the right winter 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 winter squash take to grow in North Carolina?
Winter Squash takes about 85–110 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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