UK sowing calendar
When to sow winter squash in the UK
Winter squash sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | mid-Apr-early May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Sep-Oct |
Tender - sow under cover mid-Apr to early May and plant out after the last frost (late May-Jun). Needs the full season to ripen; harvest Sep-Oct before frost, leaving 10cm of stem, then cure in the sun to store.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for winter squash.
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When to sow winter squash in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow winter squash in the UK?
Sow winter squash under cover mid-Apr-early May, then outdoors late may-jun. Tender - sow under cover mid-Apr to early May and plant out after the last frost (late May-Jun). Needs the full season to ripen; harvest Sep-Oct before frost, leaving 10cm of stem, then cure in the sun to store.
Can you sow winter squash outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant winter squash outdoors late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is winter squash ready to harvest in the UK?
Winter squash is typically harvested Sep-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow winter squash?
It depends on the month and your region. Winter squash has a UK outdoor window of late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.