🥬 When to Plant Zucchini

When should I plant zucchini?

Plant zucchini outdoors 2 weeks after last frost. For a head start, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your area's last frost date. Transplants can go out 1 week after last frost.

Is zucchini frost sensitive?

Yes — Zucchini is frost-sensitive and will be damaged or killed by temperatures at or below 32°F. Wait until all frost danger has passed and nighttime lows are consistently above 55°F.

What temperature does zucchini need?

Zucchini grows best between 65°F and 95°F. It can survive down to 55°F, but growth slows significantly below 65°F. Warm nights are especially important once fruiting begins.

How long does zucchini take to grow?

Zucchini typically takes 45–60 days from transplant (or direct sow) to first harvest.

Should I start zucchini seeds indoors?

Yes — start zucchini seeds indoors 3 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. This gives seedlings time to develop strong roots before outdoor conditions are ready.

Is it too cold to plant zucchini?

It is too cold to plant Zucchini outdoors when nighttime temperatures are falling below 55°F. Zucchini is frost-sensitive, so a single freeze will kill it — wait until your area's last frost date has passed and nights are reliably above 55°F. Use CanIPlant to check your local 7-day forecast and get a real-time answer for your ZIP code.

Is it too hot to plant zucchini?

Zucchini starts to struggle when temperatures climb above 95°F. As a warm-season crop, Zucchini enjoys heat but can experience blossom drop and reduced fruiting above 100°F. Consistent highs above that level may delay planting until temperatures moderate. CanIPlant checks your local forecast highs to flag this automatically.

Any tips for growing zucchini?

Fast grower. Direct sow after frost.